Estela Zarate, Ph.D.
Dean
LMU School of Education
Estela Zarate, Ph.D., a nationally recognized higher education leader whose commitment to student success, anti-racism, equity, and civic engagement embodies the Loyola Marymount University mission, became dean of LMU School of Education on July 8, 2024. She brings to LMU nearly two decades of experience as an academic leader and scholar at California State University, Fullerton, the University of California Irvine, and other institutions of higher education.
Prior to joining LMU, Zarate was a visiting senior faculty fellow at the Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success at the University of Texas, El Paso. There she led the institute’s strategic planning, developed a national network of higher education scholars for future collaborations and partnerships, contributed to research on increasing participation in STEM careers, and participated in national conversations about policy and research strategies to transform higher education.