A Q&A with Dean Frances Contreras
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On January 1, 2022, Dr. Frances Contreras officially began her tenure as dean of the University of California, Irvine School of Education. The third dean in school history, Contreras is the first Chicana/Latina dean to head a school of education in the University of California system.
A first-generation college student, Contreras joins the UCI School of Education from UC San Diego, where she was associate vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and a professor in the Department of Education Studies at UC San Diego. These roles, she explained, prepared her with a foundation in which she enlists diverse viewpoints and perspectives, critically examines change and growth, and oversees processes to improve efficiency and fairness. With this in mind, Contreras, a SoCal native, looks to expand the reach and impact of the UCI School of Education for its students, UCI, and surrounding K-12 community. Entering its 10th year and already ranked No. 7 in the nation among public schools of education, Contreras calls the UCI School of Education a “diverse, vibrant and influential school.” |
Frances Contreras, dean and professor, UCI School of Education
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“Our school was founded with a mission to improve the educational equity, access and outcomes for individuals of all backgrounds, from infancy to adulthood. The research, curriculum, programs, and partnerships undertaken to achieve this aim make the UCI School of Education unlike any other school in the nation,” Contreras said. “We are working to serve as a national model for putting research into practice and for practice influencing research, while simultaneously serving as an exemplar of inclusive excellence in our programs, research, pedagogy, partnerships, centers, curriculum, admissions and hiring practices.”
Dean Frances Contreras recently took some time to lay out her vision for the School of Education, discuss current and future partnerships, and share details about her upbringing and personal life.
Dean Frances Contreras recently took some time to lay out her vision for the School of Education, discuss current and future partnerships, and share details about her upbringing and personal life.
Q: Congratulations and welcome to UCI! Tell us what life has been like since August 2021, when you were announced as the next dean.
A: I have had a wonderful, warm welcome from UCI faculty, administrators and students! I have already had fantastic conversations with district and community college leaders about the partnerships underway, exciting new efforts, and the tremendous potential for expanding our collaborations.
I consider myself a lifelong learner and student. So, to prepare for the role, I researched the School of Education and its various research and partnership projects; I read (and am rereading) faculty research papers/books, and reviewed efforts the school has started in the Orange County region across the P-20 education spectrum.
Leading up to my start date, I also met with former deans from the University of California and in large public universities to ask them for advice and approaches that they have employed as a new dean.
Q: What attracted you to the position and to UCI?
A: I see the UCI School of Education as a strong leader, both on campus and in the greater Orange County region and state. To be part of an academic community of scholars, innovators, change makers, teachers and community partners is a dream. There are so many facets to this school and the community it serves – this dynamic energy and opportunity sets the UCI School of Education apart. The movement, optimism and hard work that has gone into making the School of Education among the very best schools in the nation is palpable. It is inspiring to see a community of scholars enact a vision through every project they engage in, the technological processes they improve, courses they teach, students they mentor, and schools or programs they impact. We are changing lives and communities, and I am proud to join in this collective process.
A: I have had a wonderful, warm welcome from UCI faculty, administrators and students! I have already had fantastic conversations with district and community college leaders about the partnerships underway, exciting new efforts, and the tremendous potential for expanding our collaborations.
I consider myself a lifelong learner and student. So, to prepare for the role, I researched the School of Education and its various research and partnership projects; I read (and am rereading) faculty research papers/books, and reviewed efforts the school has started in the Orange County region across the P-20 education spectrum.
Leading up to my start date, I also met with former deans from the University of California and in large public universities to ask them for advice and approaches that they have employed as a new dean.
Q: What attracted you to the position and to UCI?
A: I see the UCI School of Education as a strong leader, both on campus and in the greater Orange County region and state. To be part of an academic community of scholars, innovators, change makers, teachers and community partners is a dream. There are so many facets to this school and the community it serves – this dynamic energy and opportunity sets the UCI School of Education apart. The movement, optimism and hard work that has gone into making the School of Education among the very best schools in the nation is palpable. It is inspiring to see a community of scholars enact a vision through every project they engage in, the technological processes they improve, courses they teach, students they mentor, and schools or programs they impact. We are changing lives and communities, and I am proud to join in this collective process.
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Q: What is your overall vision for the UCI School of Education under your leadership?
A: I want to engage a community of scholars and stakeholders in an era of tremendous societal change to further the school’s reach and impact through our programs, courses and pedagogy and research projects, while also translating our key findings to inform and improve education at all levels. The School of Education is already one of the best schools in the nation. To me, the role of a dean is to facilitate the conditions for excellence, and to improve the infrastructure for all of us to thrive. This includes supporting progress, strategic growth, equity at all levels, expansion and direction that the faculty and our stakeholders deem to be priorities. |
"The movement, optimism and hard work that has gone into making the School of Education among the very best schools in the nation is palpable. It is inspiring to see a community of scholars enact a vision through every project they engage in, the technological processes they improve, courses they teach, students they mentor, and schools or programs they impact. We are changing lives and communities, and I am proud to join in the collective process." - Frances Contreras |
Q: What are the biggest opportunities for the UCI School of Education in the next few years?
A: We remain poised to grow the faculty, which presents a tremendous opportunity to strategically grow in areas that complement our faculty research efforts and programs. It is also critical that we examine how we serve our students and key stakeholders, as well as support staff and their pathways to professional advancement and growth.
Another key opportunity relates to supporting K-12 teachers. We have and will continue to witness unparalleled turnover from an overly taxed group of professionals. How we support, engage and respond to the needs of teachers in California is a critical investment for our School of Education.
Finally, the higher education landscape is changing. We are witnessing the prevalence of online courses, hybrid work and management, and overall national declines in enrollment. If we are to remain among the top schools of education, our academic programs must continue to examine how we serve our students, so that we can continue to lead by example.
Q: You join us from UC San Diego, where you were a Professor of Education Studies and an Associate Vice Chancellor, Faculty Recruitment & Retention for the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. How will both of these roles help you as a dean?
A: Of course, the role of a professor transcends institutional boundaries. I plan to continue my research projects and priorities as well as mentor students during my time as dean. As a professor, you go through many stages and I see the parallels to being a leader. I see many of our faculty leading in various ways, and I also plan to apply my expertise during my time as dean.
My administrative role has prepared me for leadership across a campus, and provides me with a good foundation to step into this leadership role and ensure the school is equitable and transparent. Particularly, I have learned a lot about the value of listening as a first step to conversation, enlisting diverse viewpoints and perspectives, critically examining change and growth in ways that make sense for all stakeholders, and overseeing processes to make them more efficient, fair and understood by broad teams of staff and faculty.
A: We remain poised to grow the faculty, which presents a tremendous opportunity to strategically grow in areas that complement our faculty research efforts and programs. It is also critical that we examine how we serve our students and key stakeholders, as well as support staff and their pathways to professional advancement and growth.
Another key opportunity relates to supporting K-12 teachers. We have and will continue to witness unparalleled turnover from an overly taxed group of professionals. How we support, engage and respond to the needs of teachers in California is a critical investment for our School of Education.
Finally, the higher education landscape is changing. We are witnessing the prevalence of online courses, hybrid work and management, and overall national declines in enrollment. If we are to remain among the top schools of education, our academic programs must continue to examine how we serve our students, so that we can continue to lead by example.
Q: You join us from UC San Diego, where you were a Professor of Education Studies and an Associate Vice Chancellor, Faculty Recruitment & Retention for the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. How will both of these roles help you as a dean?
A: Of course, the role of a professor transcends institutional boundaries. I plan to continue my research projects and priorities as well as mentor students during my time as dean. As a professor, you go through many stages and I see the parallels to being a leader. I see many of our faculty leading in various ways, and I also plan to apply my expertise during my time as dean.
My administrative role has prepared me for leadership across a campus, and provides me with a good foundation to step into this leadership role and ensure the school is equitable and transparent. Particularly, I have learned a lot about the value of listening as a first step to conversation, enlisting diverse viewpoints and perspectives, critically examining change and growth in ways that make sense for all stakeholders, and overseeing processes to make them more efficient, fair and understood by broad teams of staff and faculty.
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Q: Tell us a bit about where you’re from and your upbringing.
A: I grew up in Norwalk, California, approximately 30 minutes north of UCI. I was one of four children. My parents always expressed the importance of education, starting in preschool, and never wavered on their expectation for the four of us to attend college one day. They are my first teachers and biggest supporters. My parents invested in our interests and passions and prioritized both school and extracurricular activities. I went to William Orr Elementary School, Lakeside Junior High and Santa Fe High School. And from each of these early educational experiences, I had teachers or school leaders that stood out as caring enough to challenge me to live up to my full potential. |
"The School of Education is already one of the best schools in the nation. To me, the role of a dean is to facilitate the conditions for excellence, and to improve the infrastructure for all of us to thrive. This includes supporting progress, strategic growth, equity at all levels, expansion and direction that the faculty and our stakeholders deem to be priorities." - Frances Contreras |
Q: Tell us about your family
A: In my family, I wear many hats. I am a mom, wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, in-law, Tia and godmother. All of these roles are important to me.
I am a proud mom of two elementary-age children. My husband is a proud veteran of the United States Navy and originally from the Bay Area. My dad is also a Veteran (Vietnam Era) and was a proud member of the grocer’s union. He was a shop steward representing union workers. Some of my earliest memories as a child was witnessing labor strikes and him fighting for workers’ rights. My mom was always there managing all our activities, ranging from sports to music, spelling bees to community efforts. I am so very fortunate to have had their support and engagement. They are responsible for raising four college graduates that consider success to be synonymous with giving back.
I am grateful to be coming back home in many ways. Both of my brothers live in Orange County. My brother, Rick, despite working full-time, has always been involved with youth as a Defensive Line Coach at La Mirada High School and Santa Fe High School. Beyond earning his degree at CSU Fullerton, he also earned a certificate as a wine sommelier.
My brother Dr. Gilbert Contreras (who I went to UC Berkeley with) is a leader in the region, serving as the interim president of Fullerton College. He was also a director of EOP at Cypress College.
My sister was a Pre-K teacher, coach, and worked for the City of Santa Fe Springs in the Recreation Division. She passed away from ovarian cancer. We have a scholarship fund, The Lupe Contreras Scholarship Fund, in her name. Having an impact on our community has always been a priority for her, and this fund helps our family continue her legacy of giving to young scholar athletes.
Q: What family or cultural traditions do you celebrate?
A: First, I love to host. We love to celebrate birthdays, any accomplishments, religious milestones, and all holidays. I host baking parties, Dia de los Muertos skull making, gamer parties, really any excuse to celebrate. Life is to be celebrated and it does not have to be in the form of “an event” but can easily be simple gestures to express one’s gratitude or appreciation. Lately these have looked different, but I am looking forward to returning to hosting events too!
Q: What are some unique items on your desk or in your office space?
A: A crystal apple given to me by my mom, always filled with candy to share. Photos of my family to remind me of the people I want to make proud; a hand-carved owl from Mexico that has the sun dial hand painted on its center. The artist named this piece “Nuevo Amanecer,” which, translated from Spanish, means a new dawn or new day.
A: In my family, I wear many hats. I am a mom, wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, in-law, Tia and godmother. All of these roles are important to me.
I am a proud mom of two elementary-age children. My husband is a proud veteran of the United States Navy and originally from the Bay Area. My dad is also a Veteran (Vietnam Era) and was a proud member of the grocer’s union. He was a shop steward representing union workers. Some of my earliest memories as a child was witnessing labor strikes and him fighting for workers’ rights. My mom was always there managing all our activities, ranging from sports to music, spelling bees to community efforts. I am so very fortunate to have had their support and engagement. They are responsible for raising four college graduates that consider success to be synonymous with giving back.
I am grateful to be coming back home in many ways. Both of my brothers live in Orange County. My brother, Rick, despite working full-time, has always been involved with youth as a Defensive Line Coach at La Mirada High School and Santa Fe High School. Beyond earning his degree at CSU Fullerton, he also earned a certificate as a wine sommelier.
My brother Dr. Gilbert Contreras (who I went to UC Berkeley with) is a leader in the region, serving as the interim president of Fullerton College. He was also a director of EOP at Cypress College.
My sister was a Pre-K teacher, coach, and worked for the City of Santa Fe Springs in the Recreation Division. She passed away from ovarian cancer. We have a scholarship fund, The Lupe Contreras Scholarship Fund, in her name. Having an impact on our community has always been a priority for her, and this fund helps our family continue her legacy of giving to young scholar athletes.
Q: What family or cultural traditions do you celebrate?
A: First, I love to host. We love to celebrate birthdays, any accomplishments, religious milestones, and all holidays. I host baking parties, Dia de los Muertos skull making, gamer parties, really any excuse to celebrate. Life is to be celebrated and it does not have to be in the form of “an event” but can easily be simple gestures to express one’s gratitude or appreciation. Lately these have looked different, but I am looking forward to returning to hosting events too!
Q: What are some unique items on your desk or in your office space?
A: A crystal apple given to me by my mom, always filled with candy to share. Photos of my family to remind me of the people I want to make proud; a hand-carved owl from Mexico that has the sun dial hand painted on its center. The artist named this piece “Nuevo Amanecer,” which, translated from Spanish, means a new dawn or new day.
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Q: What is your favorite non-academic book and why?
A: Cookbooks! Love them. I do not use recipes for many of my Mexican dishes, but I see food as a window into different cultures and love the spice journey it takes me on through recipes in cookbooks. Other books that I always return to include: Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom by bell hooks, Over the Ivy Walls by Patricia Gandara, Gloria Anzaldua’s Borderlands La Frontera, and a wonderful book of poems called Unfinished Portrait by Luivette Resto. |
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Q: What’s the latest hobby you’re interested in?
A: DIY Projects. Many of which my husband finishes! Making crafts with my children for special occasions and holidays. This included learning to operate a maker machine and 3D printer. It is amazing to me to see my children easily program, code, and create.
Q: How do you wind down or rejuvenate after a long week or day?
A: A long walk with my kids and our puppy, time on my elliptical machine while catching up on news, or cooking/baking for my family. We also do family movie nights and game nights or BBQ with family.
A: DIY Projects. Many of which my husband finishes! Making crafts with my children for special occasions and holidays. This included learning to operate a maker machine and 3D printer. It is amazing to me to see my children easily program, code, and create.
Q: How do you wind down or rejuvenate after a long week or day?
A: A long walk with my kids and our puppy, time on my elliptical machine while catching up on news, or cooking/baking for my family. We also do family movie nights and game nights or BBQ with family.
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Q: What’s your favorite meal?
A: Mole enchiladas. Love them. Any food that has chocolate in it is an added bonus. I also love Vietnamese pho and Thai food. My husband and I have traveled to many countries and I love trying new foods. Q: What are three things people should know about you? A: First, as far as my personality – I am straightforward, hard-working, generous and loyal. Second, I possess an entrepreneurial spirit. That is, I love to innovate and build. I find excitement in the messiness of creating or re-creating a vision, project, program or charting a new path. Lastly, my family – they are my life, source of inspiration, hope and joy. They also help to ground and humble me just when I need it! |
Meet Our New Dean!Be sure to check out all our coverage on UCI School of Education Dean Frances Contreras! |
