Vice President of Academic Affairs

Gilbert D. Rivera, vice president for academic affairs, returned to Highlands in 2007 to the position he held from 1985 to 1995, when he retired.

“Although I came back for a short period of time, the warm welcome that I received from the Highlands community made my decision to stay for a longer period an easy one to make.” Rivera said.

After retiring, Rivera consulted for Luna Community College, with one notable project being the college’s successful reaccreditation.

Rivera provides oversight for all instructional programs at Highlands, including those in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Schools of Business, Education and Social Work.
“My responsibility is to make sure the faculty has the resources they need to do the best job they can for the students who come here,” Rivera said.

Rivera’s academic history with Highlands began early as a student, when he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and Spanish, and his master’s degree in mathematics. Later, he earned a Ph.D. in mathematics and education from North Texas State University. He started as a mathematics professor at Highlands in 1973.

Rivera said he has always loved Highlands. “I became enamored with Highlands when I was 5 years old and would watch my father walk up to the old Springer Hall to attend college. I said to myself, I’m going to go there someday,’” Rivera said.