Dr. Vasti Torres is a professor in the Center for the Study of Higher and Postsecondary Education (CSHPE) at University of Michigan and a data coach for Achieving the Dream. Prior to joining ATD, Dr. Torres established herself as an internally recognized leader in higher education. She was the principle investigator for several grants including a multiyear grant investigating the choice to stay in college for Latino students as well as a multiyear grant looking at the experiences of working college students.
Dr. Torres has worked on several community college initiatives including the ATD and Rural Community College Initiative. She was the associate editor of the Journal of College Student Development from 2008 to 2015, and in 2007–08, she became the first Latina president of a national student services association, the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Among her awards are a Diamond Honoree and Senior Scholar by the American College Personnel Association. The Contribution to Literature and Knowledge Award from NASPA, Professional Achievement Alumni Award from the University of Georgia, and the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award. In 2011–12, Dr. Torres served as a Fulbright Specialist in South Africa.
Education
Ph.D. (Counseling and Student Affairs Administration) | University of Georgia
M.A. | University of Georgia
B.A. | Stetson University
Past Experience
Dean of the College of Education | University of South Florida
Professor and Director of the Center for Postsecondary Research (CPR) | School of Education at Indiana University