Amelia Salazar named vice president for student success at Wright State

As vice president for student success at Wright State, Amelia Salazar will lead the Division of Student Success.

Amelia Salazar, Ed.D., associate vice provost for student success at Sam Houston State, was appointed the vice president for student success at Wright State University, effective June 10.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Amelia Salazar to Wright State,” said President Sue Edwards, Ph.D. “She will bring her rich experience leading student success initiatives to help Wright State develop strategies to create a transformative student experience from matriculation to completion.”

Salazar will lead Wright State’s Division of Student Success and oversee the development and implementation of initiatives, programs and services that enhance student success in academic performance, educational planning, professional preparation and components of experiential learning.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Wright State University team because of their emphasis on serving students and maximizing student outcomes,” Salazar said.

Deeply passionate about student success, Salazar believes in taking a holistic approach to student success that honors a student’s efficacy in their decision to begin, persist and complete college.

She said it is incumbent upon universities to provide students with opportunities and attainable pathways to achieve their academic goals.

“As a first-generation college student, I understand the navigational challenges students face in higher education, while also recognizing the power that aspiration and resilience can bring to their experiences,” she said.

As vice president for student success, Salazar said she will keep a pulse on the student experience and the challenges they face and design support systems to ensure they can achieve their maximum potential.

“As an institution, we should be looking for every opportunity to champion student accomplishment, reduce institutional barriers and create clear pathways to academic, personal and professional achievement,” she said.

Before joining Wright State, Salazar served as associate vice provost for student success at Sam Houston State University, where she oversaw areas related to student success, including academic advising, support and recovery; first-year experience; career success; and the First Gen Student Center.

Previously, she served as executive director of student success and director of first-year experience and retention initiatives at The University of Alabama.

Salazar received her Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy studies in higher education and her master’s degree in educational leadership, bachelor’s degree in psychology and bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Central Florida. She also earned a graduate certificate in conflict negotiation from The University of Alabama.