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Gary Santos Mendoza, Ph.D. is a dedicated scholar-practitioner and proven leader in student affairs and higher education, committed to advancing equity and cultivating inclusive campus environments that support student success.

As a first-generation, Queer Latino, Ecuadorian and Puerto Rican scholar-practitioner Dr. Santos Mendoza brings a strong commitment to the personal, professional, and social development of minoritized college students. His perspective is shaped by his experiences as a product of the New York City Public School System and being born and raised in Harlem.

Dr. Santos Mendoza currently serves as the Director of the Intercultural Resource Center at Rutgers University–Newark, where he champions cultural engagement, belonging, and holistic student development initiatives.

With over 15 years of experience in the field, Dr. Mendoza has held leadership roles across multiple institutions, including St. John’s University, Florida International University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Florida Atlantic University, and Rutgers University–Newark.

His expertise spans:

  • Cultural Engagement and Belonging

  • LGBTQ+ Services

  • Student Activities

  • Leadership Development

  • Fraternity and Sorority & Residential Life

Dr. Mendoza's academic achievements include:

  • Ph.D. in Educational Leadership/Higher Education from Florida Atlantic University.

  • M.S.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University.

  • B.S. in Information Technology with a minor in Graphic Design from St. John’s University.

As a practitioner-scholar, Gary Santos Mendoza, Ph.D., is a published author of multiple book chapters in student affairs and higher education and the co-editor of Heart Work: The Handbook on Surviving and Thriving of Cultural/Identity Centers in Higher Education. This work examines the critical role of affinity spaces in fostering student development and belonging.

Dr. Santos Mendoza has received national recognition within the field of student affairs for his outstanding contributions, including being named a 2024 ACPA Foundation Diamond Honoree by the American College Personnel Association.

In addition to his scholarship, he serves as the Vice President of Equity and Inclusion for ACPA – College Student Educators International and as a Trustee of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

Key Areas of Expertise

  • Strategic Equity & Governance: Dr. Santos Mendoza shapes national standards and institutional policy as the VP-elect of Equity and Inclusion for ACPA and a Rutgers University Senator. As a Senior Director within the Dean of Students leadership team, he provides executive-level decision-making, crisis response coordination, and strategic advancement of student affairs priorities.

  • Cultural Center Innovation & Legacy: He is the co-editor of the handbook Heart Work, a premier roadmap for fostering student belonging. He has institutionalized landmark traditions, including the Rainbow, Monarch, and Rites of Passage Celebrations—ensuring that the success of marginalized students remains a permanent, celebrated part of institutional identity.

    • Affinity Spaces & Holistic Development: Dr. Santos Mendoza leverages his research to elevate identity-based organizations into vital centers for student achievement. In his role as a Trustee of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc., he provides strategic guidance to institutions on cultivating affinity spaces that drive student retention and long-term success.

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