Veronica L. Fematt, Ph.D.
Welcome to UC Santa Barbara’s Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) website!
As a proud first-generation community college transfer student who earned a B.A. from UCLA and a Ph.D. from the Gevirtz Graduate School of Education at UCSB, I know firsthand the transformative power of higher education. UCSB is more than just a university—it is a place where students from all backgrounds can thrive, find community, and achieve their academic and personal goals.
Our designation as an HSI is an opportunity to build on UCSB’s commitment to student success by enhancing resources, fostering inclusive environments, and ensuring that every student feels supported on their journey. My approach to leadership is collaborative, student-centered, data-informed, and justice-driven, and my goal is to help make UCSB a place where all students—especially first-generation, transfer, and historically underrepresented students—feel seen, valued, and empowered.
This website is designed to be a resource for you—whether you are a prospective student, a current Gaucho, or a family member looking to learn more. I invite you to explore our initiatives, learn about the many ways UCSB supports its students, and discover how we are working to strengthen our campus community together.
Warmly,
Dra. Veronica Fematt
Inaugural HSI Director
Learn more about Dra. Fematt:
Promoting Latiné excellence: A Q&A with inaugural HSI director Veronica Fematt | The Current
by Debra Herrick, published on October 14, 2024, in Campus + Community.