ANDREA GUZMÁN, ED.D.
Vice President for Access and Community Engagement
Dr. Andrea I. Guzman joined UCF as Vice President for Access and Community Engagement in July 2021. With over 20 years of higher education experience, Dr. Guzman is a visionary leader recognized for her exceptional achievements in developing, implementing, and integrating data-informed strategies that advance educational access with a focus on non-traditional student populations such as first-generation college students, military-affiliated and veterans, students with disabilities and unique abilities, and students with limited resources. She holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Michigan.
As the Vice President for Access and Community Engagement, she holds a pivotal role within the University’s executive leadership team. She works with University leadership to integrate access and belonging into the University’s mission through high-impact practices, unique co-curricular opportunities, vibrant campus engagement, and strong community relationships. Additionally, Dr. Guzman supports faculty, staff, and student development by creating opportunities for open dialogue and free expression of all viewpoints to promote civil discourse and inclusive teaching and learning environments.
In her inaugural year, Dr. Guzman sought to create synergy and maximize resources by realigning and revisioning existing university offices to create a unit for Access and Community Engagement. This includes key functional areas such as Student Accessibility Services, First-Generation Student Success, Hispanic Serving Initiatives, and Military and Veterans Student Success.
Dr. Guzman’s remarkable leadership resulted in a landmark achievement: the development and successful establishment of the Ginsburg Center for Inclusion and Community Engagement, made possible by a transformative $5 million endowment. The Center consists of the Office of Learning and Organizational Development, the Office of Civil Discourse and Engagement, the Office of Public Policy Events, and the Department for Access and Academic Excellence. This Center is a testament to Dr. Guzman’s vision and dedication to advancing educational access, belonging, and student success across our university community.
Additionally, Dr. Guzman and her team have demonstrated outstanding success in leveraging their expertise to secure over $22.5 million in federal, corporate, and foundation grants, and over $1 million in additional philanthropic gifts. She currently serves as PI on two Department of Education grants and as senior personnel on several National Science Foundation (NSF) grants. Dr. Guzman has also led efforts to generate nearly $100,000 in revenue. Through her leadership, the University has established three additional endowments dedicated to supporting HSI initiatives, faculty hiring, and student success initiatives.
With Dr. Guzman at the helm, the University community thrives in an environment of innovation, inclusion, and opportunity. Her foresight and leadership continue to drive transformative change, shaping a brighter future for our university community.