Dr. Alejandro Gradilla

Dr. Alejandro Gradilla (he/him/his) serves as the Director of the Office of Multicultural Academic Student Services (MASS) within the Division of University Engagement and Student Affairs at Central Michigan University (CMU). In this role, he provides strategic leadership for programs and services that support the academic success, retention, and holistic development of students from historically underrepresented communities.

Dr. Gradilla has dedicated his professional career to advancing educational access and equity, with a strong focus on empowering students to achieve their academic and personal goals. Since joining CMU in 2021 as the Assistant Director of Latinx/Hispanic American Student Engagement, he has led initiatives that create a sense of belonging, cultural affirmation, and academic excellence among Latine students and the broader campus community.

Prior to his work at CMU, Dr. Gradilla served at Lansing Community College, where he coordinated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, led the LUCERO program, and supported student success efforts through the Cesar Chavez Learning Center within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. His work centered on creating inclusive educational environments and strengthening pathways for student persistence, transfer and completion.

Dr. Gradilla earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University, Chico, and his Master of Arts in Sociology from Michigan State University. He completed his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Central Michigan University. His doctoral research examined the adjustment experiences of Latine students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions, contributing to a growing body of scholarship focused on transfer student success and equity in higher education.
Through his leadership, scholarship, and service, Dr. Gradilla remains committed to fostering inclusive excellence and creating transformative educational opportunities for all students.