Estela Zarate, Ph.D., Dean of LMU School of Education, is a nationally recognized higher education leader whose work embodies LMU's mission through a commitment to student success, anti-racism, and equity in action. Her scholarship has examined the educational paths of immigrant students, students of color, and multilingual learners, as well as school leadership preparation.
Dean Zarate has nearly two decades of academic leadership and scholarship, having previously served at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), and the University of California, Irvine. Before LMU, she was a visiting senior faculty fellow at the Diana Natalicio Institute at the University of Texas, El Paso, where she led strategic planning and national network development. At CSUF, she served as Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, spearheading faculty and student success initiatives. She also directed the school leader preparation program for aspiring principals.
