Patricia Aguirre

Dr. Patricia Aguirre is an innovative and dedicated higher education professional with over 18 years of experience in management and student counseling services. Currently serving as the Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at California Lutheran University, she is deeply committed to promoting access, retention, and graduation for students from diverse backgrounds. In her role, Dr. Aguirre leads policy development to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration regulations and international education standards. She oversees comprehensive student and scholar support initiatives, facilitates cross-campus training, and advocates for international engagement across the institution. She excels at fostering partnerships among stakeholders—including faculty, academic leaders, and community organizations—to enhance student success and promote cross-cultural understanding. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Aguirre actively engages with the community by co-leading initiatives aimed at improving college literacy for Spanish-speaking families and supporting first-generation and underrepresented students. She also teaches first-year seminars and serves as a faculty mentor through campus-wide retention initiatives. A proud first-generation college graduate, Dr. Aguirre believes deeply in the transformative power of education and continues to champion inclusive practices that uplift all students.