By University Communications
Tuesday, 03 26 2024

Guardia Brings more than 20 Years of Experience to Foster Student Success and Campus Community Growth.

SAN ANTONIO —Texas A&M University-San Antonio announces the appointment of Dr. Juan R. Guardia as the new Vice President for Student Affairs, effective July 15, 2024. Guardia brings more than 20 years of experience in student affairs and higher education to his new role.   

Guardia joins A&M-San Antonio from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he has served as the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students since 2016. His dedication and leadership were instrumental in enhancing student experiences and fostering a vibrant campus community at The University of Cincinnati. 

“I am honored, humbled and excited to join the Texas A&M University-San Antonio community," said Guardia. “Through collaborative leadership, I look forward to partnering with the talented professionals in Student Affairs, and across the University faculty and staff, to foster and promote student development, learning and success and enhance meaningful student experiences which contribute to the mission and vision for the Division of Student Affairs and that of the University. Together, we will continue to provide a vibrant and supportive campus community where Jaguars thrive.” 

Before his tenure at The University of Cincinnati, Guardia spent three years at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, where he chaired the strategic planning committee for the establishment of the University’s inaugural Division of Student Affairs. His visionary leadership and strategic acumen significantly contributed to the advancement of student services and resources at Northeastern Illinois University. 

Guardia’s accomplishments garnered accolades from NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, which recognized him as a “Pillar of the Profession” for his outstanding professional service. 

He earned his Associate of Arts in Broadcasting at Miami Dade College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Communications and a Master of Science in Higher Education from Florida State University. In 2006, Guardia completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at Iowa State University of Science and Technology. 

“Dr. Guardia is a dedicated and accomplished student affairs professional with nearly 25 years of experience in higher education,” said Texas A&M University-San Antonio President Salvador Hector Ochoa. “He is well prepared to lead the Division of Student Affairs during this exciting time of growth in our student population and the expansion of our facilities and programs. He is an excellent fit for our campus community, and I look forward to working together to enhance the student experience at A&M-San Antonio.” 

Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Charles Fey will continue in the role through May 2024, at which time Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Dr. Zeak Naifeh will step in as interim vice president until Guardia’s anticipated arrival in mid-July. 

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in South San Antonio, the University offers 39 undergraduate degrees and 23 graduate degrees to about 7,620 students. A&M-San Antonio is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center. The University holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of 39 higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success. More than 77 percent of A&M-SA students identify as Hispanic, and approximately 72 percent are the first in their families to attend college. A&M-San Antonio is a military-embracing institution; the University was recently awarded the 2023 Gold Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) from the Texas Veterans Commission. Visit tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission