With close to 30 years in the realm of student success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Gándara currently serves as Assistant Dean within the College of Engineering. In this position, he oversees K-12 outreach, the Advancement Center for Engineering Students (ACES) and the Engineering Programs Office (EPO) which houses student-focused support programs. Rooted in evidence-based practices, the programs and relationships his team develops and grows engages students with particular emphasis on collaboration, research-based curriculum, and hi-impact practices. Gabby Gándara holds an MBA and a BS in Industrial Engineering. He has completed over 200 hours of cooperative-learning coursework through the Cooperative Learning Center at the University of Minnesota.