She recently transitioned from Oregon State University where she served as an Assistant Professor of Community College Leadership since 2012. Dr. Herrrera Villarreal earned her Ph.D. in Education (with an emphasis in Higher Education & Organizational Change) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). To inform system-wide change, her research employs a critical examination of the contextual factors —institutional (structure, process, and policy), geographic, demographic, political and economic contexts—that impact postsecondary outcomes, with a specific emphasis on students of color. Her work encompasses several strands of scholarship including student mobility; pathways for underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and a critical examination of policy issues related to diversity & equity in education.