Daisy Rodriguez Pitel, PhD, serves as the Associate Director for Global Engagement at Pima Community College. She earned her B.A. in Speech Communication at San Francisco State University, her M.A. in College Student Personnel at New York University, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at Indiana University. Dr. Rodriguez Pitel has worked in higher education since 1995 in various Student Affairs roles and has experience working in university and community college environments. She fell in love with college as a senior studying at San Francisco State University and decided to never leave higher education. Dr. Rodriguez Pitel has experience working in Residence Life, Student Activities, Multicultural Affairs and International Education and Global Engagement. In her current role, she coordinates and manages short term international programs, helping lead the effort to develop study abroad programs, and coordinates programming for international students to enhance their overall education experience at Pima Community College. In addition to serving as a Student Affairs practitioner, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership, counseling, and Asian American Studies. Within the multiple roles and student services she has led, social justice, diversity, and equity are always central guiding principles of her foundation and perspective.

Dr. Rodriguez Pitel is dedicated to advancing the goals of higher education, values student engagement and success, and is committed to professional development which is evidenced by her leadership involvement in professional organizations and roles in the community. She serves as the Co-Chair for the University of Arizona’s President’s Advisory Council for Asian Pacific Americans, Tucson Metropolitan Education Commissioner, and has served in countless leadership roles within the American College Personnel Association. Being involved in the community is an important value of Dr. Rodriguez Pitel and she has been instrumental in supporting K-12 efforts to promote higher education, such as the Oyama Elementary “College4Me” partnership, working closely with LULAC (Latin United League of American Citizens) Leadership Conference and NLAAD (National Latino AIDS Awareness Day), Tucson Educational Empowerment for Minorities, and serves as the Chair for President’s Asian Pacific American Community Council at the University of Arizona.

Dr. Rodriguez Pitel has extensive experience as a facilitator, trainer, and presenter. She has worked in consulting roles with University of Wisconsin, Maricopa Community College District, and Lake County Community College. She has received numerous honors for her dedication and commitment to the field of higher education and student affairs, as well as her engagement in the community. Dr. Rodriguez Pitel received a Special Congressional recognition from Congresswoman Gifford and Congressman Grijalva for her work in the community.