Enedina Garcia Vazquez joins the University of Iowa College of Education this fall as a distinguished visiting professor in the School Psychology program. 

Vazquez received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southwest Texas State University and a master of arts degree in bilingual/bicultural studies from the University of Texas- San Antonio before receiving a doctorate in school psychology from Iowa in 1990. 

Over the years, Vazquez’s research has focused on supporting students of color and examining social emotional factors, acculturation, phenotype and cultural identity on academic success of Latino/a children and youth. More recently, her research has focused on workforce development, specifically the role schools play in developing skills needed to succeed in the workforce. Most recently, her research focus is on financial resiliency, cultural intelligence, emotional intelligence, and grit. Participants of her most recent work are engineering students in minority serving institutions. 

Vazquez is committed to helping underserved populations. 

“It is very important to me that we pass it on and work closely to mentor students and early career professionals to achieve their goals,” Vazquez says. 

After completing her doctorate at Iowa, she was drawn back by the opportunity to assist in rebuilding the School Psychology program. 

“A strong foundation has been forged with the work that has been done already with the school psychology faculty,” Vazquez says. “The strength of our program will amplify the strength of our students, and the children, youth and families we serve will benefit from our best efforts.” 

Vazquez has had many notable successes throughout her career. She has built programs, served as an administrator, and been elected to several national offices. Vazquez is also actively involved nationally in the American Psychology Association, and is the past-president of Division 45 and Division 16. However, what stands out to Vazquez is her service to the students, especially students of color. 

“I am proud to live a multicultural lifestyle, embracing equity, diversity, inclusion, justice, and belonging,” Vazquez says.