Luzelma G. Canales, Ph.D.

Interim Associate of Community Engagement & Workforce Development

As an Achieving the Dream Data Coach, Luzelma Canales consults two community colleges in Illinois, with an interest in improving their student retention and graduation rates, particularly for low-income students and students of color. 

Dr. Canales oversees the development and implementation of institutional initiatives related to community engagement and nontraditional programs for the College. She also serves as the College Lead on several national institution-wide initiatives, such as Excelencia in Education Starting Point: Community College, Excelencia in Education Accelerating Latino Student Success (ALASS) at Texas Border Institutions, Public Agenda/MDC Community Engagement and Leadership Development pilot, CEOs for Citites Talent Dividend Prize, and Jobs for the Future Breaking Through initiatives. All of which are focused on increasing student outcomes with a special emphasis on Latinos/Hispanics.

Dr. Canales serves on the Blue Ribbon Panel for the Community College Consortium for Immigrant Education, which is hosted by Westchester Community College in New York and the American Association of Community Colleges’ Voluntary Framework of Accountability initiative working group. She also serves on the McAllen Independent School District Technology Cadre charged with developing a plan for how the district can utilize technology to increase student success outcomes.  Canales has over 23 years of higher education experience and was awarded the Meritorious Service Award in 1995 by the President of the University of Texas – Pan American and the Presidential Jaguar Excellence Award in 2005 by the President of South Texas College.

Educational background: Dr. Canales earned a Ph.D. in Human Resource Development form Texas A&M University - College Station; a MBA from the University of Texas - Pan American; and BBA from Pan American University.