Araceli serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Student Success Initiatives (SSI), where she plays a vital role in shaping the office's vision and direction. She is responsible for managing a variety of programs and services aimed at enhancing student retention, persistence, and success. These include First Year Programs, the Rice Emerging Scholars Program (RESP), and dedicated support for First-Generation, Limited-Income (FGLI) students through targeted programming and advising. Additionally, Araceli oversees SSI's comprehensive advising practices, which are designed to support students holistically throughout their academic journey.
Araceli joined Rice University in the fall of 2012 as an advisor in the Office of Academic Advising for Athletics. After two fulfilling years, she eagerly became a member of the inaugural SSI team as a student success advisor, assisting students with a variety of academic, social, and personal concerns. Following her role as an advisor, Araceli served as Associate Director of First Year Programs for eight years, where she expertly planned, executed, and assessed all aspects of Orientation Week (O-Week). In this capacity, she provided strong leadership, advising, and training to 33 O-Week Coordinators and two Student Directors before being appointed Executive Director of SSI in August 2023.
Araceli began her educational journey by earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston, which laid the groundwork for her career. She further pursued her passion for higher education by obtaining a Master of Science in Educational Administration through the esteemed Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education (SAAHE) program at Texas A&M University. To deepen her expertise, she completed her Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin, solidifying her dedication to creating a positive impact in the higher education landscape.
Advising and Mentoring Approach: Araceli's mentoring model combines inspiration with guidance, centered around four key pillars: Motivation, Achievement, Leadership, and Education. This approach emphasizes understanding the whole student, including their personal lives, academic journeys, and campus experiences. Passionate about holistic support, Araceli builds meaningful relationships that foster an uplifting environment, promoting both learning and personal growth. She helps students uncover their goals, recognize their strengths, and tackle challenges, empowering them to exceed their aspirations. For Araceli, each success story is a celebration of resilience and achievement!
