Meet the Dean
Dr. Angela Vidal-Rodríguez is an accomplished higher education leader and student success advocate, recognized for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to inclusive, student-centered innovation. She brings over 20 years of experience in higher education, with a track record of strengthening institutional performance, expanding access, and closing success gaps through data-informed planning and cross-sector partnerships.
Prior to joining Lewis University, Dr. Vidal-Rodríguez served as Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Valparaiso University, where she led strategic initiatives to improve student retention, expand enrollment pathways, and enhance academic success for diverse student populations. She has also held leadership roles at Northeastern Illinois University, directing federally and state-funded student success programs. At the University of Michigan, Dr. Vidal-Rodriguez led teams conducting action research to support the implementation of inclusive policies at colleges and universities nationwide. Dr. Vidal-Rodríguez holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a focus on Organizational Behavior and Management from the University of Michigan, an M.B.A. in Management and Strategy from Northeastern Illinois University, and a B.A. in Economics from Anáhuac University in Mexico City.
Her research interests focus on organizational behavior and policies that affect the access and success of historically marginalized students in higher education. Her most recent work explores the impact of state policy on student outcomes and how institutions navigate internal and external pressures while advancing the interests of underserved students. A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Vidal-Rodríguez enjoys supporting students, faculty, and staff in their professional growth. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her two daughters.
As Dean of St. Augustine College at Lewis University, she is committed to honoring the college’s legacy while advancing its mission as a bilingual, adult-serving institution rooted in community, access, and opportunity.
Meet the Dean’s Staff
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Johana Vargas is a driven advocate for justice, human rights, and student empowerment. As a first-generation Latina graduate, she has navigated the challenges of higher education with determination and resilience, earning her associate degree in criminal justice from St. Augustine College in 2021 and then pursuing a bachelor’s in justice studies with a minor in child advocacy. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding and addressing social inequities, particularly those affecting children and vulnerable populations.
During her studies, Johana served on the Student Council at St. Augustine College, where she played an active role in mentoring peers, fostering inclusive community engagement, and supporting initiatives that promote student success. Her bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish has enabled her to connect meaningfully with diverse communities, ensuring access and support for all students.
Johana is motivated by a commitment to social justice and advocacy. She seeks to create positive change in her community by championing equity, amplifying underrepresented voices, and guiding students toward success with a lens for restorative justice. As an alumna, she now works at St. Augustine College as an administrative assistant, where she supports a range of administrative functions, coordinates events, and contributes to many initiatives that enhance the student experience.
