The Board of Trustees of the City University of New York (CUNY) appointed Alicia M. Alvero as executive vice chancellor and university provost, making her the first Latina in the history of the CUNY system to hold this position. The historic designation reinforces Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez’s strategies to strengthen the academic success of students and faculty throughout the university.
Alvero assumed the position on an interim basis since November 2024 and will now occupy it permanently, after a career of more than two decades within CUNY. She joined in 2003 as a professor at Queens College and then rose to academic leadership roles until reaching central administration in August 2022.
Chancellor Matos Rodríguez said: “Alicia M. Alvero brings an empathetic and visionary perspective, with a deep connection with students, faculty and staff. Her leadership in initiatives such as the 2025–2034 Master Plan and the Transfer Initiative has been essential for CUNY, and her historic appointment as the first Latina in this position demonstrates the power of education to open opportunities and generate meaningful change.”
“Being the first Latina reminds me of when I was promoted to full professor”
Alvero explained, “I compare the feeling of being the first Latina dean to the one I felt when I was promoted to full professor, because only one percent of all full professors are Latina.”
“I am honored to be named executive vice chancellor and permanent chancellor at an institution that has been my home for almost 23 years. As a student and first-generation American, the daughter of Cuban refugees and a product of public education, my background reflects the CUNY experience. I thank the Board of Trustees and Chancellor Matos Rodríguez for this opportunity and I look forward to continuing to advance the University in the years to come,” Alvero said.
Promotes structural changes in favor of students
Alvero led the creation of CUNY’s innovative Transfer Initiative with the University Faculty Senate (UFS), solving one of the most persistent problems in higher education: allowing students to transfer credits without losing career progress. As vice chancellor for Academic and Faculty Affairs since February 2024, he built consensus among faculty at CUNY’s 18 undergraduate institutions to align content and create clear transfer paths. Established the Faculty Transfer Fellows program and strengthened tools such as CUNY Transfer Explorer, reducing unnecessary course repetition and costs associated with degree completion.
Alvero also coordinated the development of the 2025–2034 Master Plan, integrating the participation of students, teachers, administrative staff and members of the Board of Trustees.
Family inspiration and personal legacy
The rector also shared how her family history motivates her: “I think a lot about my mother and my grandmother, who grew up in Cuba, because I know how much they fought and sacrificed. I think they were both born before their time. My grandmother wanted so much for me. I know they always wanted for me what they didn’t have for themselves. They wanted us girls to be independent and not depend on anyone. But I don’t think in their wildest dreams they ever expected me to achieve what I have achieved.”
Focus on teaching leadership and academic excellence
As CUNY’s chief academic officer, Alvero oversees the system’s entire academic experience, including initiatives such as K16, CUNY Reconnect, artificial intelligence integration, and the Early Childhood Professional Development Institute. He has also promoted the development of faculty leadership by creating the first Dean’s Council, co-founding the Faculty Development Consortium, expanding the CUNY Fellows program, and promoting greater transparency in the tenure and promotion processes.
Alvero earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and his master’s and doctoral degrees from Western Michigan University, where he received the institution’s first Ford Foundation Fellowship.
With this historic appointment, CUNY reaffirms its commitment to social mobility and excellent public education, now under the leadership of the first Latina to serve as university president in the history of the system.
https://www.youtube.com/clip/UgkxfnX2rZIx—2XEJnApnGH2RUxIE-js7G
