Angel Velez, a research associate in the Office of Community College Research and Leadership in the College of Education, was selected as a fellow in the Graduate Student Fellows Program of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE).
Velez and the other chosen fellows participated in the organization’s 15th annual conference held in March in Costa Mesa, California.
The event, made up of talented Latino faculty members and graduate students, addresses key topics about Latinos in higher education, initiates conversations about research and policy surrounding the Latino agenda, and fosters dialogue between fellows and faculty.
At the conference, Velez discussed his research related to the history of Latino student activism in higher education since the 1970s and how early advocacy led that population to where it is today. He said he respects the crucial work the conference is doing and wants to take the agenda a step further.
“I hope to continue pushing the boundaries in discussions around race, gender, and social identities affecting Latinos in higher education and community,” Velez said.
Among other qualifications, the selected fellows must be enrolled in doctoral programs and demonstrate academic potential through past experiences and future career goals, as well as have a track record of service to the Hispanic and/or Latina/o community.
Velez hopes to become a tenure-track faculty member at a college or university after earning his doctorate. His fellowship will allow him to participate in a multitude of professional development and networking opportunities that coincide with his interests and career goals.
“As one of the premier organizations for Latinos in higher education, this closely aligns with my goal of obtaining a teaching and research career after graduation,” Velez said. “Given the underrepresentation of Latinos within the faculty ranks, I want to ensure a successful transition from the Ph.D. to faculty life.”
His research interests focus on citizenship, racial formation, and the higher education history of the Latina/o population. At OCCRL, Velez is part of the Hispanic-serving Community Colleges STEM Pipelines research team.
Velez said the College of Education at Illinois, where he is pursuing a doctorate in the Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership, is “second to none,” a place of study that is at the forefront of “speaking truth to power.” Additionally, he said his experience at OCCRL has prepared and encouraged him to pursue the career track he wants.
“After spending the last three years as a researcher at OCCRL, I am fortunate to learn from the best faculty and graduate students in the world,” he said. “Being able to craft original research, understand the research process from beginning to end is a competency I will take everywhere. I believe that articulating research goals clearly and succinctly has given me the confidence to seek this type of opportunity.”
Velez was recognized last October by Northeastern Illinois University with the Outstanding GOLD Alumni Award for his dedication in serving marginalized communities through principled research and leadership. The award honors those who have graduated from NEIU during the past 10 years and have been successful in their professions and in their commitment to serving others.
