May 2, 2016  

Hernandez named director of Purdue's Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center

Xavier Hernandez

Xavier Hernandez
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Xavier Hernandez, a graduate assistant at the Asian American Cultural Center at the University of Illinois, has been appointed director of the Purdue University Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center, university officials announced Monday (May 2).

Hernandez , whose appointment is effective June 27, will succeed Victoria Loong, interim director of the center since it opened in April 2015.

"Xavier Hernandez has a strong background in Asian and Asian American cultures and experience in diversity programs in higher education," said Deba Dutta, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity. "The search committee did an excellent job selecting a leader who will create a welcoming home for our Asian and Asian American students, faculty and staff, and help them share their culture with the community."

 Since 2013, Hernandez has served as a graduate assistant at the Asian American Cultural Center, which is part of the Office of Inclusion & Intercultural Relations, at the University Of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He also has been a teaching assistant in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the university since 2014.

He previously was a teaching assistant in Asian American Education in the College of Education and a research assistant in the American University Meets the Pacific Century Project at Illinois.

"I'm excited about the opportunities at Purdue to promote the advancement and potential of Asian and Asian American students, particularly with the opening of a new location for the AAARCC in the fall," Hernandez said.

Hernandez received his bachelor's degree from the University of California, Irvine and his master's degree in Asian American studies from San Francisco State University. He is working on a doctorate in Education Policy Studies, which he is scheduled to receive from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2017.

Ximena Arriaga, provost fellow, a member of Purdue's Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Team and psychology professor, chaired the search committee.

"Hernandez brings a new perspective, great ideas and lots of energy. He will be an excellent leader as AAARCC expands its reach," Arriaga said.

Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu

Sources:  Deba Dutta, dutta@purdue.edu

Ximena Arriaga, 765-494-6888, arruaga@purdue.edu

Xavier Hernandez, 765-496-0464, xhernand@purdue.edu

Victoria Loong, vloong@purdue.edu

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