Amber M Gonzalez

Amber M. Gonzalez, Ph.D. is a tenured Professor in the Child and Adolescent Development program at California State University, Sacramento. Using mixed methods and participatory action research, her scholarly activities focus on exploring the influence of social support networks and institutional structures on Latine college student identity development and educational and career aspirations, and motivations. In addition, she explores the ways in which students use their aspirations and motivations to ensure their success, manage failure, and persist. She has worked closely with educators, administrators, parents, community agencies, policy-makers, and experts to develop and implement qualitative and quantitative research projects covering a variety of topics related to education, health and human services, immigration, labor, and work force development. She currently works with 8 CSU HSIs to explore ongoing HSI work on each campus, including specific policies, programs, and practices, to identify cross-campus best practices and their impact on the holistic success of Latine students and their communities. Her research has been funded by Sacramento State, The College Futures Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation. Her scholarly work has been published in the Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, Journal of Educational Research, and College Student Journal. Questions about equity and the roles of institutional agents in supporting students’ holistic success that guide her research agenda also inform her pedagogy. Her teaching philosophy centers on helping students become critically aware of their own assumptions. Promoting an understanding that social forces shape the creation and use of knowledge is central to her philosophy of teaching because it helps students sharpen critical thinking skills to enable them to go beyond existing knowledge. Dr. Gonzalez’ work is grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy, critical reflection, and a deep commitment to inclusive, equity-minded teaching practices. In addition to her scholarly and instructional activities, she serves as an academic advisor to students and faculty advisor to multiple student organizations. She also serves as an active member of the Faculty Senate and has led efforts in creating programming to support and retain faculty of color. Through her multiple roles on campus, she has collaborated with various university stakeholders to address inequities within campus policies, programming, and practices. Her institutional and community service and leadership activities center on advocating for equity and social justice for students and faculty of color.