Meet Daniel Villanueva, Jr., Ph.D.

Dr. Daniel Villanueva, Jr. is a distinguished higher education scholar-practitioner, recognized for his extensive expertise in student a7airs, student success, and enrollment management. With a career spanning community colleges and universities across Texas's rural, suburban, and urban landscapes, Dr. Villanueva brings a comprehensive understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities within higher education.

His research and teaching are centered on pivotal topics such as academic capitalism, student access and success, and the educational advancement of Latinos. As a seasoned practitioner, Dr. Villanueva has successfully overseen critical areas including admissions, financial aid, registrar services, enrollment software solutions, marketing and communication, student life, student unions, wellness and recreation centers, and student housing. His approach is deeply rooted in leveraging cutting-edge software technology, enhancing student engagement, utilizing big data and predictive analytics, and driving digital marketing and communication strategies. He is also known for forging valuable external partnerships that further institutional goals.

Throughout his career, Dr. Villanueva has held significant leadership roles, including Director, Dean, Assistant Vice President, Associate Vice President, and Vice President, serving on the president’s executive cabinet. His strategic leadership has consistently resulted in substantial increases in applications, admissions, and enrollment, achieving historic headcounts and credit hour production, which have significantly boosted tuition revenue. Additionally, he has been instrumental in the development of student affairs facilities, enhancing student engagement, and creating an inclusive campus environment that fosters student development and success.

As a sought-after independent educational consultant, Dr. Villanueva provides expert services in strategic planning, software implementation, data analysis, marketing and communication, and enrollment planning to institutions across the United States. His insights are frequently sought by media outlets as a higher education expert.

Dr. Villanueva’s academic contributions include serving as the editor of the Language and Culture section of the 2nd edition of the Handbook of Research on Latinos and Education: Theory, Research, and Practice. His published dissertation highlights the emerging skill sets academic managers will require to lead institutions in the 21st century. He is also an advisory board member for Wiley Publication’s Enrollment Management Report, where he contributes to discussions on enrollment management strategies. A respected speaker, Dr. Villanueva frequently addresses audiences on topics related to student a7airs, student success, and enrollment management. He has also served as an adjunct professor and curriculum developer for both undergraduate and graduate programs at various colleges and universities.

Dr. Villanueva began his academic journey at Blinn College before transferring to Texas Tech University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He continued his studies at Texas Christian University, obtaining a master’s degree in liberal arts. He then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration at Texas A&M University, studying under Dr. Yvonna S. Lincoln, a renowned qualitative methodologist and higher-education scholar.

Dr. Villanueva resides in Katy, Texas, with his wife Anna, their son Diego, and their dog “Dubie,” a7ectionately named after their favorite Houston Astros player, Mauricio Dubón.