VITA Dr. MARIA OLIVIA RIVAS EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

VITA
Dr. MARIA OLIVIA RIVAS
Telephone:
956-983-7660 (office)
956-983-7693 (fax)
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
B. A. Degree
Pan American University, Edinburg, Texas,
Major: Political Science
M.Ed. Degree
Pan American University, Edinburg, Texas,
Major: Secondary Education, Counseling
and Guidance Certification
Ed.D. Degree
East Texas State University, Commerce, Texas,
Major: Counseling and Guidance
Student Personnel Department
Minor: Vocational Education
Dissertation: The Effectiveness of a Career
Development
Program on Selected Variables of Disadvantaged
MexicanAmericans (An experimental study)
Post Doctoral Work
Education
Harvard University, 1990, Graduate School of
Harvard University, 1996, Graduate School of
Education
Oxford Round Table, 1999, 2000 Oxford England
SPECIAL TRAINING/STUDIES:
Page 2
Sid Richardson Institute for Preventive Medicine-Methodist Hospital,
Houston--Stress Management Consultant/Therapist
Harvard Mediation and Conflict Resolution Program
Earned certification as a mediator, negotiator
Texas A & M Mediation and Conflict Resolution Program
Earned certification as a mediator, negotiator
Leadership Texas Class of 1991
Stanford University: NACUBO Executive Management Program, , 1992
Oxford International Round Table, Oxford University, England, Summer of
1999, Summer of 2000
Student Affairs Executive Discussions
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS and POSITIONS HELD
Texas Council of Student Services Vice-Presidents – President-Elect,
President,
American College Personnel Association – Commission I Elected Board
Member
Texas Association of Community College Chief Student Affairs
Administrators - Vice President for
Legislative Issues
Texas Association of College & University Student Personnel
Administrators-Immediate past
Executive Board Director
Page 3
Texas Counseling Association
American Counseling Association
Phi Delta Kappa
Kappa Delta Pi (An Honor Society in Education)
Delta Kappa Gamma-Past President
Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas-State Parliamentarian
Rio Grande Valley Health & Medical Services, Inc. - Appointed Board
Member
Texas Academic Skills Council-State Board Member
Oxford International Round Table Board of Directors
WORK EXPERIENCE:
2004 –2014 Chair of the Department of Educational Psychology and
Leadership
Studies
The department consists of the preparation programs for special education
teachers, educational diagnosticians, principals, superintendents, teachers of
early childhood, and school/licensed professional counselors. The
department also oversees the community counseling clinic as well as the
Early Childhood Facility for children ages 0 to 5 years old.
1992-Present Professor, Graduate School of Education, The University
of Texas at Brownsville
Page 4
I am tenured in the Department of School Specialties and teach courses in
counselor preparation. I have taught the following graduate courses:
Human Growth and Development, Theories and Techniques in
Psychotherapy, Personal Growth, Group Counseling, Practicum.
Fall 2003 Interim Dean of the School of Business
I have used my years of administrative experience to step in as Interim Dean
of the School of Business and manage the operations of the school from
selecting a department chair, hiring faculty, overseeing the budget and
presiding at school meetings insuring full participation of the faculty. I
have assisted the School in its accreditation by bringing a consultant to
advice us on our work towards a successful accreditation procerss. During
this period, I continued to teach one graduate course in my own department
of School Specialities.
2001-2002 Special Assistant to the President of The University of Texas
at Brownsville
In this position I represented the President with many internal and external
constituencies. I offered advice on student and administrative issues.
Working very closely with the faculty senate, I created initiatives that
involve the faculty in university matters. I was involved with issues of
campus culture, values and traditions documenting such on video, print and
exhibits. The involvement of current students, alumni and the greater
community in the coordination of the 75th anniversary celebration of the
university a major focus.
1992-2001 Vice President for Student Affairs at The University of Texas
at Brownsville
Created by the legislature in 1991, The University of Texas at Brownsville
and Texas Southmost College joined in a unique partnership to operate as
one entity. I served as the Chief Student Affairs Officer for this new
insitution with primary responsibility of aligning the policies and
Page 5
programsof two institutions into one. During my tenure, I designed and
installed student support programs for a population of students whose
majors ranged from certificate training to graduate degrees. The following
departments comprise the Student Affairs Division: Admissions Office,
Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Testing Office, Learning Assistance
Center, Counseling Center, University Outreach Center, Athletics, Student
Activities,
Student Government, Student Publications, Student Health Center,
Mediation Center, Office of the Dean of Students, Student Union, Office for
Student’s with Disabilities, International Student Office. External funding
for Student Affairs increased from less than $100,000 to $3 million yearly.
I directed a successful student referendum that created funding for a new
Student Union. I was also successful in securing funding and donations for
the construction of the new Scorpion Baseball Park. As VPSA, I was a
member of the Executive Council with full participation on all university
matters.
1986-93
Dean of Student Personnel Services-Texas Southmost
College, Brownsville, Texas
As the Chief Student Affairs Officer for this community college I had
responsibility for the offices that traditionally encompass the Student
Affairs arena in a community college. During my tenure I initiated services
for students with disabilities, installed policies governing student
publications and student government and secured a student health center. I
installed telephone registration thus increasing our enrollment significantly.
1983-92
Adjunct Instructor with Corpus Christi State University,
Weslaco Extension Center
I taught undergraduate and graduate courses in vocational education to area
counselors and supervisors.
1981-92
Adjunct instructor with Pan American University,
Brownsville, Texas
I taught graduate courses in counselor preparation.
Page 6
1983-1985 Stress Management Therapist, Behavioral Center for
Preventive Medicine
I was associated with a local physician.
1979-1986 Director of Vocational-Technical Counseling, Texas
Southmost College
I was responsible for the recruitment, advisement and placement of students
majoring in vocational education. I established this office
UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES
During my many years of service I have served on numerous standing and
ad hoc committees.
A select list follows:
NCATE Coordinator for the College of Education
SACS self study committee reviewing the library
University Strategic Planning Committee
Foundations of Excellence Steering Committee
Faculty Representative to the search committee of the President of TSC
Enrollment Management Committee
Futures Commission, Communications Strategy Committee
Endowment/Challenge Grant Committee
Partnership Implementation Committee
Student Affairs Partnership Committee
Faculty Association, President
Core Values and Philosophy Review Committee
University Anniversary Committee-Chair 2001 and 2006
University Strategic Planning Committee-Co-Chair
SACS Assessment of Educational Programs
Appointed by Academic Senate to Serve as Faculty Ombudsman 2004Present
Page 7
GRANT INVOLVEMENT
During my tenure at UTB/TSC I have been the principal investigator and /or
written /collaborated on the following grants.
Department of Education Funds
GEAR UP funded at approximately $7 million.
Talent Search funded at approximately $900, 000 (multi-cycle
funding)
Upward Bound funded at approximately $1 million (multi-cycle
funding)
Upward Bound Math & Science funded at approximately $900,000
(multi-cycle funding)
Student Support Services funded at approximately $900,000 (multicycle funding)
Upward Bound Veterans funded at approximately $900,000 (multicycle funding)
NASA
Hispanic Mother Daughter grant funded at approximately $20,000
(multi-cycle funding)
STEMS funded at approximately $40,000 (multi-cycle funding)
Coca Cola
SOS program funded at approximately $50,000
General Electric
Tutor program funded at approximately $20,000
Page 8
PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, CREATIVE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS , CONSULTANT AND COMMUNITY
WORK:
Rivas, O. & Jones, I. S. (October, 2014). Investing in yourself: One
University’s Leadership Models. Center for Scholastic Inquiry Conference,
Chaska, MN.
Jones, I. S. & Rivas, O. (Spring 2014). A case study: Accreditation process
reviewed through the lens of organizational change models and the five
stages of grief. Journal of Academic Administration in Higher Education.
Vol 10, Issue 1. Martin, TN: J. W. Press.
Rivas, O. & Jones, I.S. (2012). Leadership: Building Teams Using
Structured Activities. Research in Higher Education Journal, Volume 17,
ISSN#1941-3432
Jones, I. and Rivas, O. (2011). Leadership: Building a Team Using
Structured Activities. International Conference on Learning and
Administration in Higher Education. Nashville, Tn.
Jones, I., Rivas, O., (Spring 2011) “A Case Study in Leadership and Staff
Empowerment” Journal of the Academic Business World, Volume 5 Issue 1
Rivas, O., Jones, I., (Spring 2011) Leadership: Building a Team Using
Structured Activities, International Conference of Academic Business World
and International Conference on Learning and Administration in Higher
Education, Nashville, Tennessee.
Jones, I., Rivas O., “Designing Staff Development Programs” Journal of
International Business
Accepted for publication Spring 2011
Rivas, O., (Fall 2010) “Using Developmental Theory in Career
Counseling”, Texas Counseling Association, Austin, Texas.
Page 9
Leal, A., Rivas, O., Vallado, A.N. (Spring 2010) “Ethics for School
Counselors” Counselor Institute Conference, South Padre Island, Texas
Leal, A., Rivas, O., (Spring 2010) “Connecting with Hispanic/Latino
Clients” National Association of Hispanic and Latino Studies, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana
Jones, I., Rivas, O., (Spring 2010) “Designing Staff Development Programs
that Work” International Conference on Learning and Administration in
Higher Education, Nashville, Tennessee (Received Best Paper Award)
Jones, I., Rivas, O., Pena, E., (2010) “Lessons Learned While Conducting
Educational Program Assessment” Manuscript published in refereed
conference proceedings, Hawaii International Conference On Education
ISSN#1541-5880
Rivas, O., Jones.I., Pena, E., (2009) “An Approach to Educational Program
Assessment and Lessons Learned, Journal of Academic Administration
and Higher Education” Fall 2009
Rivas, O., Jones, I., Pena, E., (Spring 2009) “An Approach to Educational
Program Assessment and Lessons Learned” Academic Business World
International Conference and International Conference on Learning and
Administration in Higher Education, Nashville, Tennessee (Received Best
Paper Award)
Rivas, O., Mancillas, M., (Fall 2009) “Using Film to Engage Student
Discussions of Ethical Principles”, Association of Counselor Education and
Supervisors National Conference, San Diego, California
Rivas, O., Leal. A., Yznaga, S., (Fall 2009) “Designing a Counselor
Preparation Program that Addresses Multiculturalism , Advocacy & Social
Justice and Professional Leadership”, Association of Counselor Educators
and Supervisors National Conference, San Diego, California
Page 10
Leal, A., Vallado, A.N., Rivas, O., (Fall 2009) “Ethics Through the Eyes of
School Counselors, Counselor Educators and Administrators:”. Texas
Counseling Association, Dallas, Texas
Jones, I., Rivas, O., Mancillas, Margie., (2008) “A model for Teaching
Ethical Meta Principles: A Descriptive Experience” Journal of
Instructional Pedagogies, Volume 1 issn:1941-3394
Fall 2008 Presentation at the Texas Counseling Association on Using Film
to Teach and Understand Ethical Meta-Principles
Spring 2008-Presentation at Academic Business World on A Model for
Teaching Ethical Meta-Principles: A Descriptive Study
Fall 07---Presentation at ACES National Conference in Ohio on Preparing
Bilingual Counselors
Spring 2007—Otero R., Rivas O., Rivera., Predicting Freshmen Success,
Journal of Hispanic Education, Volume 6, Number 2
Spring 07---Presentation at the Hawaii International Conference on
Education on Using Films to Discuss Ethical Meta Principles with
Graduate Students and School Personnel
Spring 07—Presentation at the National Conference on Civic Engagement
on Using Ethical Meta Principles in Decision Making.
Fall 2006---Presentation at the Texas Counseling Association Annual
Conference on How to connect in English and Spanish.
Fall 2006---Presentation at the Texas Counseling Association Annual
Conference on The Counselor’s Toolbox: Refresher on Counseling
Techniques
Page 11
Rivas O., Zamarripa, T., (Spring 2005) Life Skills Curriculum Guide,
Publisher: South Texas Adult Resource and Training
Fall 2005—Presentation at ACES National Conference in Pittsburg, Pa. on
Preparing Bilingual Counselors
Spring 2004-Presentation at the Innovations in Higher Education
Conference in Florida on Preparing Multicultural Competent Mental Health
Professionals.
Spring 2004-Presented, “Preparing Multicultural Competent Mental Health
Professionals” at Innovations in Higher Education 2004 Conference,
Orlando, Florida
2001 Winter Commencement Speaker, The University of Texas at
Brownsville
Panel member at Higher Education Legal Issues Conference, “Promises
about Campus Safety and Security: Can Campuses Keep Them?” Fall,
1996, Burlington, Vermont.
Presented paper at TACUSPA Summer Legal Conference “Use And Abuse
of Technology”,
June, 1996, Austin, Texas.
Presented paper at Third Annual Texas Statewide Conference for
Vocational Special Needs “Don’t Judge a Person By a Label: Attitudes
Toward Disadvantaged Mexican-American Students”. Texas A&M
University, 1979.
Presented paper at Valley Regional Council on Alcoholism and Drug
Abuse, “Confrontation Skills with Adolescents”. Spring, 1979.
Page 12
Presented paper at Texas State Inservice Meeting for Vocational
Counselors, “Vocational Guidance Activities for the Handicapped”.
September, 1977.
Conference Chairperson, National Workshop for Spanish Speaking in
Vocational Education. March, 1977.
Presentation of paper, “Group Counseling with Alcoholics”, at Texas
Personnel and Guidance Association Convention with Dr. E. Hutto.
October, 1975.
Consultation and Community Work
Proposal reader for 2015 TRIO grant program funding, Student Support
Services, U. S. Department of Education, Washington, D. C. Spring 1015
Proposal reader for the 2011 TRIO grant program funding
Talent Search, U. S. Department of Education, Washington, D. C.
Spring 2011
Spring 2010-Proposal Reader for U. S. Dept. of Education, Washington D.
C. TRIO Programs\
Spring 2009-Proposal Reader for U. S. Dept. of Education, Washington D.
C. TRIO Programs
Spring 2008- SACS re-affirmation visiting team to Albany State University,
Albany, Georgia
Spring 2008- Proposal Reader for U. S. Dept. Of Education, Washington, D.
C. State GEAR-UP Grants
Spring 07-SACS re-affirmation visiting team to Eastern Kentucky
University
Page 13
Spring 2006-SACS re-affirmation visiting team to University in Monterrey,
Mexico
Spring 2005—Consultant to a coalition of literacy centers in developing
curriculum for a holistic approach for workforce preparation.
Spring 2005 –Pearson Education reader for the new SAT essay exam to be
administered for the first time Spring 2005.
Fall 2004—Reader for the U. S. Department of Education. E-reader for
Trio Program applications on student support services.
SACS visiting team member to Jacksonville State University in Alabama
reviewing Student Development programs, Spring 2003
Spring 2003, external evaluator for the University of Missouri-Columbia
evaluating their Learning Assistant Center and Student Success Program
Member of the Rio Grande Valley Regional Leaders Forum 2001-2002
Proposal Reader for TRIO Programs, Student Support Services, U.S.
Department of Education, Washington, D.C. Fall 2000
Proposal Reader for TRIO Programs, GEAR UP, U.S. Department of
Education, Washington, D. C.
Summer 1999, Fall 1999
Proposal Reader for TRIO Programs, Upward Bound, U. S. Department of
Education, Washington, D.C., Spring, 1995. Spring 99.
Proposal Reader for TRIO Programs, Talent Search, U. S. Department of
Education, Washington, D. C., Spring, 1994.
Page 14
State Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners, Public Member, appointed by
the Governor in 1994 for a six-year term.
Accreditation Team Member for Southern Association of Colleges &
Schools site visit to Palm Beach Community College, Palm Beach Florida,
1991; to Broward Community College, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 1992; to
Florida National College, Hialeah, Florida, 1993, 1995; to Mobile
Community College, Mobile, Alabama, 1994. Auburn University at
Montgomery 1998, Kentucky State 1999. Costa Rica 1999.
Atlanta Art Institute 2000, Miami Art Institute 2001, Florida campus of
American International University 2002.
State Parliamentarian for Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, 1988-1992.
Consultant to National Center for Leadership Development, Atlanta,
Georgia. Conducted workshop in counseling skills for counselors involved
in federally funded programs. Summer, 1980, Chicago, Illinois.
Texas ACT Advisory Council, State Elected Board Member, 1988-1992.
Consultant to Cameron-Willacy County Community Action Agency.
Provided Parent Effectiveness training to parents of Headstart children, and
Counseling Services to Headstart children with emotional and physical
disabilities. 1979-1980.
Reading Panel for teacher applications seeking training under EPDA funds,
Office of Education,
Washington, D.C. June, 1978.
Education Professions Development Act (EPDA) awardee for the State of
Texas, 1976-1977, 1977-1978.
Page 15
Conducted Workshop in counseling skills for Job Corps counselors. Spring
1977, Dallas, Texas.
Planning Committee for national EPDA project, “Increasing Participation
for Spanish Speaking Americans in Vocational Education”. Fall, 1978.
EPDA Internship - Texas Education Agency, Austin, Texas. January, 1977.
EPDA Internship - United States Office of Education, Washington, D. C.,
March, 1977.
Internship in the Office of Minority Affairs, East Texas State University.
Fall, 1977.
Internship in the Office of Student Life, East Texas State University.
Spring, 1977.
Member of Advisory Committee to EPDA Project “A Consortium Approach
to Leadership Development for Women in Education”.
Instructional Team Member for “Training Personnel with Responsibilities
for Job Placement and Follow-Up” workshop. Kilgore, Texas; Houston,
Texas, Fall 1976. Texas Education Agency.
Instructional Team Member for “Coordination of the CVAE Program Using
a Cadre Approach” workshop. Arlington, Texas. Summer, 1976. Texas
Education Agency
Page 16
Panel Member at EPDA sponsored “National Workshop to Increase
Spanish-Speaking American Participation in Vocational Education at All
Levels”
Instructional Team member for CVAE Academic Teacher’s In-service
Workshop, San Antonio, Texas; Houston, Texas, June 1975. Texas
Education Agency.
Instructional Team Member for “Counselors with Responsibilities for
CVAE Students’ workshop, San Antonio, Texas, Houston, Texas; Fall
1975.
Volunteer counseling with alcoholics at Mental Health And Mental
Retardation, Halfway House, Harlingen, Texas, 1975.
Volunteer Group and individual counseling with juvenile delinquents at La
Esperanza Halfway House, Brownsville, Texas, 1974.
Teacher of the Year, Stell Intermediate, Brownsville, Texas, Independent
School District, 1972-73.
*************************************************************************************
Dr. Rivas continues to serve on numerous boards and advisory committees on a regional and state
level. Most recently, she served on the University of Texas Medical Branch Advisory Board to
R.G.V., and the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas. Dr. Rivas also
served on the Bias Review Panel for the Development of the Statewide Texas Academic Skills
Program. She served on the Texas Academic Skills Council that recommended policy to the Texas
Commissioner of Higher Education. She also served on the Bias Review Panel for LSAT item
inventory.