Federico Zaragoza
Higher Education Executive
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
I am a proven higher education executive with successful leadership tenures at three institutions across three different states. Throughout my career, I have focused on advancing student success, cultivating community partnerships, expanding global engagement, and aligning higher education with workforce development.
As a proud graduate of Laredo public schools, I bring a personal and professional commitment to the region. With over two decades of collaboration with South Texas leaders through the Eagle Ford Shale Consortium and Future of the Region initiatives, I have a deep understanding of the region’s opportunities and challenges.
My track record in improving institutional performance, aligning academic programs with regional economic priorities, and securing both legislative and philanthropic support uniquely positions me to lead Texas A&M International University into its next chapter of excellence, impact, and international distinction.
Overview
53
53
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
President and CEO
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
08.2018 - 06.2024
- Company Overview: CSN is the largest institution of higher education in Nevada and the 7th largest community college of its kind in the nation. It is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority-Majority Institution.
- Managed a budget of $205.6 million and 1,175 employees.
- In Fall 2021, CSN enrollments were 29,996 degree-seeking and 7,500 non-credit students; 70% attend part-time, 70% are university transfer students, and 30% are in professional and technical degree programs.
- The President is responsible for the day-to-day operations and provides leadership in planning and implementation to ensure that the College develops to its potential in accordance with its mission and vision.
- He is ultimately responsible for the college's overall compliance with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), DOE, and related federal, state, and local policies and regulations or legal requirements.
- The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits CSN.
- The President is the principal spokesperson for the college and maintains many progressive business and community partnerships.
- Dr. Zaragoza is a nationally respected higher education administrator.
- While president, he served on numerous national boards, including the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), where he co-chaired the Commission on Economic & Workforce Development, NACIQI DOE Accreditation, and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Board of Governors.
- In 2019, he was awarded the Ohtli Award - the highest honor bestowed by the Government of Mexico to individuals and organizations whose work has empowered the Mexican diaspora and helped to 'open the path' for the new Mexican American and Latino generations.
- During Dr. Zaragoza's tenure as President, CSN doubled graduation rates and achieved recognition as an Achieving the Dream College of Distinction, Lumina Complete College America Momentum College.
- In spring 2021, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) awarded CSN its most prestigious accreditation award, the Beacon Award for Student Success.
- CSN is the largest institution of higher education in Nevada and the 7th largest community college of its kind in the nation. It is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority-Majority Institution.
Vice Chancellor – Economic and Workforce Development
Alamo Community College District
San Antonio, Texas
06.2004 - 07.2018
- Company Overview: Alamo Colleges District is one of the largest higher education institutions in Texas; It is a multi-college Hispanic-Serving Institution District.
- District Chief Administrative Officer for workforce education and continuing education.
- Responsible for regional centers and international education programs for a community college district with approximately 65,000 degree-seeking students and 30,000 non-credit enrollments.
- Manages several district-wide components designed to make the ACCD colleges responsive to the workforce development needs of employers, job seekers, and economic development clusters.
- The Department manages several high visibility programs including the Perkins Grant, Skills Development Programs (Toyota, Boeing, Rackspace, Caterpillar), ACCD Dual Credit Academies, Career Pathway and Tech Prop programs, ACCD, International Education Programs, Alternative Teacher Certification, Central Texas Technology Center, Kerrville Alamo College Center, Floresville Alamo College Center, Westside Education and Training Center, Alamo University Higher Education Center, and the Advanced Technology Center.
- The Department also connects the ACCD colleges to strategic economic development initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.
- Over 21,000 students enroll in Workforce Development programs.
- Under his leadership, ACCD received the prestigious American Association of Community College Trustees' 2005 National Workforce Excellence Award for ACCD's role in developing exemplary job training programs for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.
- The Department has also administered several internationally recognized education programs, including the US-AID-CASS programs, to train internationals in various occupations, including Teachers, Construction Managers, and TIES I & II Manufacturing Technologies in Border Communities.
- The department participated in various international education study abroad, faculty, and student exchange programs with Mexico, Latin America, Brazil, China, and Japan.
- Alamo Colleges District is one of the largest higher education institutions in Texas; It is a multi-college Hispanic-Serving Institution District.
Lecturer - Workforce Leadership and Workforce Certification
Alamo Community College District
San Antonio, Texas
01.1997 - 01.2008
- Principle lecturer for NCWE National Workforce Certification Courses & Workforce Development; Columbia University Forum on Community Colleges (2008); Texas Workforce Commission State Conference (2005-08); Mexico Department of Technical College Leadership Seminar instructor for DACUM and Workforce Development Modules (5-day), National Career Pathways Network Conference Keynote speaker(2010 & 2011).
Vice President of Administration- St. Philip's College-Southwest Campus And Assistant to the Chancellor for Workforce Development
St. Philip's College
San Antonio, Texas
06.1996 - 06.2004
- Responsible for the day-to-day management of a community college campus with an enrollment of approximately 4,500 students.
- Southwest Campus is a workforce development specialty campus that contains several Workforce and Career and Technology dual credit and Tech Programs such as Project Phoenix High School, Alamo Area Aerospace Academy, and a Texas Workforce One Stop Career Center.
- I coordinated grant and resource development efforts for new credit and non-credit programs.
- Recruits and hires SACs complaint faculty, evaluate staff and faculty.
- Evaluate and recommend faculty for tenure in accordance with ACCD policies and procedures.
- Manage specialty programs including CTE dual credit, Project Phoenix, Advanced Technology Center, Aero-Space Academy, Perkins, Skill Development Fund, and Workforce Investment Programs.
President and CEO
Private Industry Council of Milwaukee County
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
11.1993 - 06.1996
- Company Overview: An organization recognized by the Federal Department of Labor as a leader in the development of workforce development centers.
- Responsible for providing the overall leadership necessary to effectively coordinate occupational training programs for residents of Milwaukee County.
- Serve as the chief spokesperson for workforce development programs in Milwaukee County and reports directly to the County Executive of Milwaukee County, Board of Directors of the Private Industry Council, and the County Board of Supervisors as appropriate.
- Responsible for implementing one-stop educational centers in collaboration with business and industry, community-based organizations, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and government organizations.
- Maintain programs with enrollments in excess of 12,000 students and an operational budget of approximately $18 million.
- Supervise direct staff of sixty full time members (excluding job Center staff of 150).
- Programs operated by the Private Industry Council of Milwaukee County include: (1) two comprehensive one stop job centers (2) thirty-two (32) occupational and customized training programs (3) School to Work and Summer Youth Employment Programs (4) Dislocated Worker Programs (5) A comprehensive Career Center for Youth and (6) Welfare Reform Demonstration Programs (work and learn models).
- An organization recognized by the Federal Department of Labor as a leader in the development of workforce development centers.
Director, Human Resources
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
07.1992 - 11.1993
- The Chief Human Resource Cabinet Officer is responsible for the management of Milwaukee County's Civil Service, Personnel, and Employee Benefits Programs.
- Responsible for supervising a staff of approximately sixty-seven employees with direct budget authority of approximately fifty million dollars.
- Responsible for a department affecting a workforce of ten thousand county employees in the areas of Employee Development, Employee Relations, Employee Benefits and Compensation, Retirement, and Employment and Staffing.
- The position reports to the County Executive and Personnel Committee of the County Board of Supervisors.
Director, Alternative Education Programs
Milwaukee Public Schools
10.1991 - 06.1992
- Chief Academic Officer for the Milwaukee Public Schools’ Alternative Education network of schools and specialized programs.
- Provided the overall leadership and administrative support necessary for establishing the comprehensive array of twenty alternative education schools and transitional programs for At-Risk Youth.
- Hired and evaluated staff and teachers, prepared schedules, and was a substitute teacher when necessary.
- Additional responsibilities included direct supervision of the district's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program, School-Aged Parents Program, Evening School Programs, and JTPA Youth Initiative programs.
- Responsibilities included policy and budget development, school and subcontract management, supervision, and evaluation of staff.
- The department comprised 180 employees and operated with a budget authority of approximately 15 million dollars.
- Annual Enrollment of approximately 5,000 students.
Dean, Continuing Education and Business Outreach
Milwaukee Area Technical College
07.1984 - 09.1991
- Chief Academic Officer for Continuing Education programs at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
- Responsible for establishing and maintaining effective credit and non-credit continuing education programs for business outreach programs.
- Responsible for marketing programs and establishing communication and partnerships with various sectors of the Greater Milwaukee Community.
- Established distance-learning components, including a videoconference center, TV College of the Air, and Instructional Outreach Centers in business, industry, and Community-Based Organizations.
- Duties included planning, supervision, and evaluation of Continuing Education credit and non-credit courses, seminars, customized training programs, and Instructional outreach programs designed to meet the lifelong learning needs of district residents.
- The Division supervises fourteen community based outreach centers and nine Business and Industry Workplace Literacy centers, functional units included: (1) Business Outreach (2) Cooperative Education (3) Distance Learning via Video Conferencing and College of the Air (4) JTPA Labor Training, Dislocated Worker, and Apprenticeship Programs (5) Federal Projects JTPA, VEA, GPR) (6) Videoconference Services (7) Urban Outreach and Lower Level Literacy Centers (8) Small Business Incubators and Economic Development, and (9) High School Equivalency Program.
- Continuing Education Annual Headcount of 8,000 students.
Adult and Continuing Education Lecturer
Milwaukee Area Technical College
07.1984 - 09.1987
- Developed curriculum and served as the instructor for the grant-funded Civics for New Americans Course. The course helped immigrants prepare for citizenship tests. (48 contact hours) per semester, the course was grant funded and delivered year-round.
Adjunct Professor – Urban Education
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
09.1986 - 12.1986
Executive Director
Governors Employment and Training Office
09.1982 - 07.1984
- Chief Employment and Training spokesperson for the State of Wisconsin.
- The cabinet appointment was responsible for the strategic plan, design, and implementation of Wisconsin's Job Training Partnership Act delivery system.
- Responsible for establishing a policy context and state blueprint for the local implementation of occupational training programs.
- Established collaborative agreements with business and industry, community leaders, local elected officials, and the state legislature.
- Managed a staff of sixty professionals responsible for monitoring Wisconsin's $60 million JTPA program.
- Prepared complex compliance and informational reports for the Governor, a State Commission, the Department of Labor, and state and local elected officials.
Deputy Director
Governors Employment and Training Office
07.1979 - 09.1982
- Under the Supervision of the Executive Director, responsible for the overall management of a moderately sized state agency.
- Developed state plans and established strategic planning and management systems and procedures for the administration of federal contracts by local governments.
- Developed statewide compliance monitoring guides and procedures, as well as collaborative agreements with other units of government.
- Also, the 'Wisconsin Annual Employment and Training Report' was generated and submitted to the Governor, Department of Labor, and the State Legislature.
Director, Bureau of Program Management and Resources
Governors Employment and Training Office
09.1977 - 07.1979
- Supervised bureau composed of ten program specialists responsible for all facets of program monitoring and compliance audits.
- Established procedures, compiled compliance reports, and negotiated contracts.
High School Equivalency Program – Life Skills, GED, and Community Education
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
09.1973 - 05.1975
- Recruit and teach GED, Career Ed Instructor, and community education courses to Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers utilizing one to one mentoring and andragogical methods.
Life Skills, GED, and Community Education
United Migrant Opportunity Program
09.1971 - 05.1973
- Recruit and teach GED, Career Ed Instructor, and community education courses to Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers utilizing one to one mentoring and andragogical methods.
Education
Ph.D. - Urban Education and Administrative Leadership
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Ed.S. - Industrial, Technical, and Vocational Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Master of Science - Industrial, Technical, and Adult Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout
B.A. - Sociology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Master of Science - Education
Nevada State University
Las Vegas, NVHigher Education Teaching Certificate - undefined
Harvard University
Skills
Strategic planning
Budget management
Regulatory compliance
Accreditation processes
Workforce development
Community partnership
Policy development
Data analysis
Financial management
Program evaluation
Instructional Activities
- Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee, WI, Adult and Continuing Education Lecturer, 07/01/84, 09/30/87
- Alamo Community College District, Lecturer - Workforce Leadership and Workforce Certification, 1998, 2008
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, Adjunct Professor – Urban Education, Fall 1986, Summer Session 1986
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, High School Equivalency Program – Life Skills, GED, and Community Education, Fall 1973, Spring 1975
- United Migrant Opportunity Program, 809 W. Greenfield, Milwaukee, WI, 53204, Life Skills, GED, and Community Education, Fall 1971, Spring 1973
Publications And Contributions
- Advanced Manufacturing Exemplary Career Pathway Programs – A Case Study of five Top Exemplary Programs and why they Work, National Science Foundation, 04/2014
- LEP Handbook for Workforce Professionals – Work-based and VESL Programs for Limited English Proficiency, Texas Workforce Commission, 09/2007
- Department of Labor – CBJT Programs Pay Dividends, National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE), Summer 2008
- Training and Community Outreach, Zaragoza, Huber, American Vocational Association Education Journal, 04/1987
- Dissertation: A Study of Indicators of Effective Community Based Alternative Education Programs for At Risk students, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1994
- Private Sector Perspectives on Competency Based Vocational Training Programs, Zaragoza, Wisconsin-Stout, 05/1984
Committee Appointments
- 2021-2024, American Association of Community Colleges, Chair of Workforce Development and Program Priorities Committee; Executive Committee
- 2021-2024, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Board of Directors
- 2021-2024, Urban Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
- 2021-2024, Nevada Governor’s AB 450 Workforce Development Study Committee
- 2019-2024, Southern Nevada – Workforce Connections, Board of Directors
- 2019-2024, Las Vegas Global Economic Development Alliance, Board of Directors
- 2017-2024, Organicacion Universitaria Internacional, Board of Directors
- 2011-2017, National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity Committee (NACIQI), Appointed by Secretary Duncan
- 2009-2017, Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC), Board
- 2008-2017, National Blue Ribbon Committee, Community College Consortia for Immigrant Education
- 2000-2004, National Hispanic Scholarship Organization
- 1998-2004, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Technical Programs Standards Committee
- 2008-2017, National Manufacturers Association, Education Committee
- 2006-2017, San Antonio Manufactures Association, Board of Directors
- 2006-2017, San Antonio, Dream it Do it, Board of Directors
- 2006-2017, Automotive Manufacturing Training and Education Consortium, Board and NSF- Co-PI
- 2000-2017, Alamo Aerospace Academy, Executive Board Member
- 2004-2017, City of New Braunfels Entrepreneurial Center, Board of Directors
- 2006-2017, Mayor’s Education and Workforce Summit & P-16 Committee
- 2000-2004, Alamo Youth Opportunity Program Committee
- 2000-2017, Edgewood – Westside Blue Ribbon Committee
- 2001-2017, South Texas Future of Region
- 2001-2017, San Antonio Empowerment Zone Governance Board, Chairperson
- 2005-2017, Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Member
- 1996-2017, South Texas, Future of the Region
- 2008-2017, Alamo Workforce Solutions (Workforce Board), Board of Directors
- 2008-2011, Tomorrow’s Workforce National Committee, CSW, Excellencia, Lumina, and NCWE
- 1998-1999, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Evaluation and Site Review Team Member
Awards
- 2024, Honorary Master of Education degree, Nevada State University, 05/04/24
- 2024, Public Sector Person of the Year, City of Henderson
- 2024, Federico Zaragoza Day and Hispanic Champion Award, City of Las Vegas
- 2024, Lifetime Education Recognition Award, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- 2024, Lifetime Education Achievement Award, Nevada Education Trust
- 2024, Congressional Recognition Award for Lifetime Educational Access, Senator Rosen
- 2024, Legislative Citation – Educational Excellence, Nevada
- 2022, Educator of the Year, Nevada Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- 2022, Leadership and Advocacy Award, Nevada Hope for Prisoners
- 2021, OTHLI Award, Mexican Government
- 2011, Education Service Award, LULAC State of Texas
- 2010, Business Partners Vision Award, Goodwill Industries, San Antonio
- 2010, Education Service Award, LULAC- San Antonio
- 2015, Brillante Award, National Association of Hispanic Public Accounts
- 2015, Leadership Achievement Award, Texas Association of Community Colleges
- 2009, Human Capital Award, Transportation Security Administration
- 2009, Leadership Award, Future of South Texas Region
- 2009, Regional Workforce Project of the Year, ACOGG
- 2008, Education Service Award, LULAC
- 2005, Workforce Excellence Award, American Association of Community College Trustees
- 2004, Workforce Professional of the Year, Alamo WorkSource Solutions Board
- 2003, Community Leadership Award, San Antonio Housing Authority
- 2003, Leadership in Education Award, Greater Kelly USA Development Authority
- 2003, Community Leadership Award, Westside Chamber of Commerce
- 2002, Community Partnership Award, Edgewood High School
- 2000, Leadership Award, Kelly USA
- 2001, Workforce Recognition Award, National Council of Aging
- 2003, Recognition Award, SkillsUSA
- 2004, National Workforce Leadership Recognition Award, LULAC
- 2003, Leadership Award, West Side Chamber of Commerce
- 1994, Distinguished Service Merit Award, Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
- 1993-1995, Leadership Award, Milwaukee Hispanic Education Conference
- 1991, National Hispanic Business Advocate of the Year, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- 1988-1995, Image Awards, Career Youth Development
- 1988, Recognition Award, Project Transition
- 1987, Hispanic Person of the Year, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- 1987, Who's Who in ASPA
- 1987, Outstanding Young Alumni, University of Wisconsin-Stout
- 1988, Minority Person of the Year, Black Student Union
- 1986, Community Services, Career Youth Development
- 1986, Community Services, Social Development Commission
- 1984, Community Services, United Migrant Opportunity Services
- 1983, Community Services, Spanish Center Racine
- 1982, Community Services, LAUCR
- 1982, Community Services, SER Jobs for Progress
- 1981, Leadership Awards, National Association of County Elected Officials
Degrees
- Ph.D., Urban Education and Administrative Leadership, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, A Study of Indicators of Effective Community-Based Alternative Education Programs for At-Risk Students.
- Ed.S., Industrial, Technical, and Vocational Education, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Employer Perspectives on Occupational Training Programs in Wisconsin.
- Master of Science, Industrial, Technical, and Adult Education, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Adult Education
- B.A., Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Master of Science, Education, Nevada State University - Las Vegas, NV, 2024-05
- Higher Education Teaching Certificate, Harvard University, 2025-05
Certification
Harvard University - Higher Education Teacher Certificate
Timeline
Harvard University - Higher Education Teacher Certificate
05-2025
President and CEO
College of Southern Nevada
08.2018 - 06.2024
Vice Chancellor – Economic and Workforce Development
Alamo Community College District
06.2004 - 07.2018
Lecturer - Workforce Leadership and Workforce Certification
Alamo Community College District
01.1997 - 01.2008
Vice President of Administration- St. Philip's College-Southwest Campus And Assistant to the Chancellor for Workforce Development
St. Philip's College
06.1996 - 06.2004
President and CEO
Private Industry Council of Milwaukee County
11.1993 - 06.1996
Director, Human Resources
Milwaukee County
07.1992 - 11.1993
Director, Alternative Education Programs
Milwaukee Public Schools
10.1991 - 06.1992
Adjunct Professor – Urban Education
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
09.1986 - 12.1986
Dean, Continuing Education and Business Outreach
Milwaukee Area Technical College
07.1984 - 09.1991
Adult and Continuing Education Lecturer
Milwaukee Area Technical College
07.1984 - 09.1987
Executive Director
Governors Employment and Training Office
09.1982 - 07.1984
Deputy Director
Governors Employment and Training Office
07.1979 - 09.1982
Director, Bureau of Program Management and Resources
Governors Employment and Training Office
09.1977 - 07.1979
High School Equivalency Program – Life Skills, GED, and Community Education
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
09.1973 - 05.1975
Life Skills, GED, and Community Education
United Migrant Opportunity Program
09.1971 - 05.1973
Ed.S. - Industrial, Technical, and Vocational Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Master of Science - Industrial, Technical, and Adult Education
University of Wisconsin-Stout
B.A. - Sociology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Master of Science - Education
Nevada State University
Higher Education Teaching Certificate - undefined
Harvard University
Ph.D. - Urban Education and Administrative Leadership
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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