Pacifica Graduate Institute has appointed Dr. Anselmo Villanueva as its inaugural Vice President of People, Culture, and Inclusion.
Villanueva brings experience and a commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (ADEIB) to Pacifica, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic community.
At Pacifica, Villanueva will institute the new People, Culture and Inclusion division, which will include the Human Resources function. With his understanding of the importance of deep collaboration and data-driven decision making, he will work with the Pacifica and local communities to expand the Institute’s ADEIB strategic goal.
“I am very excited to be the inaugural Vice President of People, Culture, and Inclusion at Pacifica Graduate Institute,” said Villanueva. “I am eager to work with staff, faculty, and administrators in the areas of accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
“Having been born and raised in Santa Barbara, I am very happy to return to where my life started.”
In his new role, Villanueva will engage across the internal and local communities to further behaviors, attitudes, and policies supporting DEIB in all facets of campus life, while collaborating with various stakeholders in assessing barriers and creating strategies and operational plans that cultivate and maintain a thriving diverse institution, Pacifica said.
“I look forward to working with students, staff, faculty, President Leonie H. Mattison, and the Board of Trustees to keep true to the mission and vision of Pacifica Graduate Institute,” Villanueva said.
“I will ensure that accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are part of everything that we do on campus and in the community. I am excited to implement initiatives,” he said.
Villanueva has strong roots in the Santa Barbara and educational communities. After attending local schools, including San Marcos High School and Santa Barbara City College, he completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA, a master’s degree in bilingual education in USC, and then to University of Oregon for a Ph.D. in multicultural education.
Villanueva began his career as a teacher in Ventura County before embarking on an award-winning, professional journey that took him to positions in ADEIB, including for the Eugene Public Schools in Oregon, Pacific Resources in Education and Learning in Hawaii, and recently as the executive director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Santa Barbara City College.
He has worked on various multicultural-focused boards, nonprofits, mentorship programs, and projects, including a recent one focused on Filipino and Filipino American History in Santa Barbara.
“At Pacifica Graduate Institute, we care deeply about our people as they are the heart and soul of our mission,” said Dr. Leonie H. Mattison, Pacifica’s president/CEO. “Dr. Villanueva impressed those involved in the nationwide search process as a skillful connector and communicator who understands our motto, ‘Anima mundi colendae gratia,’ ‘For the sake of tending soul in and of the world,’ which the entire Pacifica community holds dear.”
“His deep commitment to and wide breadth and depth of experience incorporating local cultural elements to ensure that people feel welcomed, valued and included will be instrumental in helping Pacifica to cultivate a thriving campus culture as we grow and expand globally.”