Dr. Sara Mata has been appointed as the executive director of Hispanic-Serving Initiatives in Academic Affairs. In the role, she will develop and implement strategies to support WSU’s initiative of being a Hispanic-Serving Institution by collaborating with campus and community partners and other institutions. She will also teach courses at WSU and serve as a graduate mentor for the Intervention Services and Leadership in Education department of the College of Applied Studies.
Throughout her career in higher education, the core of Dr. Mata’s work has been to mentor and advocate for students. Dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, Dr. Mata has mentored McNair scholars, honors scholars, and Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation scholars.
Dr. Mata received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology, her master’s degree in community counseling, and her doctorate in social foundations all from Oklahoma State University.
“We are excited to have Dr. Mata as part of our Shocker family,” said Shirley Lefever, provost and executive vice president. “She is a strong advocate with a passion to help students. She will play a lead role in WSU’s initiative of being a Hispanic-Serving Institution and to promote student success and persistence efforts here at Wichita State University.”
