Passing of Dr. Joaquin Villegas

Dear St. Augustine Community,

    Dr. Joaquin Villegas, a beloved faculty member and administrator of St. Augustine College for many years, passed away over the weekend. Throughout his time at St. Augustine, Dr. Villegas taught courses in Early Childhood Education, Political Science, and History, touching the lives of countless students. St. Augustine College was very close to his heart, and his commitment to its mission was evident in all that he did.

    In addition to his work at St. Augustine College, Dr. Villegas retired as an Associate Professor Emeritus from Northeastern Illinois University after 16 years as a faculty member in the Teacher Education Program. During his tenure, he also served as Coordinator of both graduate and undergraduate programs in bilingual and bicultural education.

    Dr. Villegas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Puerto Rico before achieving a Doctoral Degree in Education from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. His distinguished academic career included being named a Fulbright Scholar, serving in South Africa in 2010 and Jamaica in 2016.

    Dr. Villegas’ research agenda focused on bilingual education, multicultural education, the Seal of Biliteracy, and, most recently, translanguaging. His scholarship and leadership reflected a deep commitment to educational equity and linguistic justice.

    Dr. Villegas made a lasting mark on St. Augustine College by providing leadership, mentorship, and support to many. He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.