Gary’s work

Writing and research

Featured publications and projects examining intersectionality, cultural centers, and the experiences of minoritized communities in higher education spaces.

Cover of Heart Work

Co-editor · Book · Emerald Publishing

Heart Work: The Handbook on the Surviving and Thriving of Cultural and Identity Centers in Higher Education

Heart Work explores the histories, challenges, and evolving practices of cultural and identity centers across higher education, including spaces supporting Latinx/e, Asian and Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Indigenous, Black, Disabled, LGBTQ+, and undocumented student communities. In the context of shifting university politics and societal change, the book offers strategies for practitioners to sustain and advance this work.

Published by Emerald Publishing, the handbook helps faculty, staff, and practitioners better understand intersectionality, oppression, and the lived experiences shaping cultural and identity centers today.

Get it from Emerald Publishing
Cover of the Journal of Diversity in Higher Education

Journal article · Journal of Diversity in Higher Education

Pulido et al. (2025): The Queer and Trans Latinx/a/o Higher Education Collective

Pulido et al. (2025) examine how queer and trans Latinx/a/o scholar-practitioners navigate isolation and oppression in higher education by creating intentional community. Using queer pláticas, the study highlights how collective spaces foster belonging, reciprocity, and shared growth, offering implications for research and practice that center QTL experiences in academia.

Read on APA PsycNet
Cover of The Strategic Guide to Shaping Your Student Affairs Career

Book · Second edition · Routledge

The Strategic Guide to Shaping Your Student Affairs Career

This updated practical guide helps readers create a personalized strategy for shaping their careers in higher education, student affairs, and related fields.

Built around five key components (lifelong learning, job search and experience-building, networking, self-reflection and well-being, and professional development planning), the second edition adds new content and 20 real career stories from diverse professionals. It serves as a valuable resource for prospective, early-career, and seasoned practitioners navigating career growth and pivots.

Get it from Routledge

The EDU Ledger · Opinion

Juntos con Bad Bunny

Opinion · The EDU Ledger

Juntos con Bad Bunny: We Are Pan-Americanism

An opinion piece that reflects on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance as a cultural moment highlighting Pan-American identity, unity, and resistance across the Americas. The authors explore how shared histories of colonization, migration, and oppression shape Latinx experiences, arguing that embracing a broader continental identity can foster solidarity and drive social change in higher education and beyond.

Read in The EDU Ledger

Additional work

  1. 2024Pulido, G., Orozco, R. C., Gonzalez, S. A., González, Á. d. J., Duran, A., Sérráno, B. C., Cataño, Y., Ortiz, G. C., & Santos Mendoza, G. The story of the queer and trans Latinx/a/o higher education collective: Revealing the power of the group using queer pláticas. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education. doi.org/10.1037/dhe0000579
  2. 2021Torres-Baez, D., Romero Felix, A., & Santos Mendoza, G. Surviving the Continued Assault of Cultural Centers: Building Capacity During Crisis. In C. Reneau & M. Villarreal (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Leading Higher Education Transformation with Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (pp. 108–125). IGI Global. doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-7152-1.ch008
  3. 2021Santos Mendoza, G. “Coping with Mental Health Concerns amid COVID-19.” Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 12 Jul. 2021. diverseeducation.com
  4. 2020Montelongo, R., Santa-Ramirez, S., Cruze-Silva, K., & Santos Mendoza, G. Latinx Network Writers Group: Demystifying the writing process for scholar-practitioners. Developments – ACPA College Student Educators International. developments.myacpa.org
  5. 2019Santos Mendoza, G. “Queer Latinx … Yep We’re Here.” Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 6 Mar. 2019. diverseeducation.com
  6. 2019Silva, K. C., Cruze, R., & Santos Mendoza, G. Testimonios of Entry-Level Latina/o/x Student Affairs Professionals. In M. R. Nichols, M. G. Burke, & L. Hill (Eds.), No Ways Tired: The Journey for Professionals of Color in Student Affairs. Information Age Publishing.

Selected presentations

  1. 2026Santos Mendoza, G., Mir Merced, I., & Silva, K. Con Cultura y Communidad: Latine Greek Life as a Catalyst for Belonging at HSIs. ACPA National Convention, Baltimore, MD.
  2. 2026Santos Mendoza, G., Bharadwaj, P., & Sosa Garcia, M. The BRAT Experiences: Navigating College Student Peer-to-Peer Programs. New York University Student Affairs Conference, New York, NY.
  3. 2025Santos Mendoza, G. & Marroquin, J. La Academia – Latinx Student Affairs Institute. ACPA National Convention, Long Beach, CA.
  4. 2022Santos Mendoza, G., Torres-Baez, D., & Romero Felix, A. (Nov 10). Cultural/Identity Centers in Higher Education as Mechanisms that have Humanized Higher Education. ASHE Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
  5. 2021Sobers, C., & Santos Mendoza, G. (Aug 18). Teaching Assistants and the Medium (300+) General Chemistry Lab. IUPAC | Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition, Virtual.
  6. 2021Sobers, C., & Santos Mendoza, G. (June 30). Leveraging TA Training to Establish an Inclusive Learning Environment in a Lab. American