Estela López, Ph.D.
TFA Associate
Services Types of Institutions Served
Dr. López, the former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the Connecticut State University System (CSU), has held top administrative positions in different institutions and settings, including Chicago, where she was the Provost of Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), and Puerto Rico where she served as the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Planning at Inter American University. At CSU, Estela oversaw online distance education, published research on transfer students, developed a strategic plan for student life for the entire system, and was responsible for accountability measures. Under her leadership, NEIU became the only four-year institution in the Midwest at that time to be classified as an HSI. Dr. Lopez also oversaw enrollment management efforts, which resulted in increased student enrollment and improved retention. Additionally, she was successful in securing a variety of grants, including a $2 million one to create a faculty development center. Estela was also the recent recipient of the Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association Achievement Award (2008), as well as the Illinois Latino Council in Higher Education Distinguished Service Award. In 2005, she was selected for the Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund award. In 2006, the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission designated her the Latina Citizen of the Year. Over the past several years, Dr. Lopez co-chaired Hartford’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education. This commission--appointed by the Mayor of Hartford--plans to increase by 25 percent the number of Hartford students going on to a four-year college or university. |
