Torres Selected as Dean of Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Torres will assume her new duties on August 15, replacing Casey Bieberich, who has been filling the role on an interim basis. Bieberich will return to her duties as Associate Dean of Equity and Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator.
“I am delighted that Dr. Torres has agreed to take on this new role,” President Wim Wiewel said in announcing the appointment. “She has a long history of dedication to equity and social justice—and to the people and core values of Lewis & Clark.”
Wiewel said Torres’ lived experiences, as well as her scholarship and research, have prepared her well for this role. Torres grew up in a working class Mexican American family in a small agricultural community in Southern California. Her time in higher education, both as a student and faculty member, has been spent in predominantly white institutions.
“I know firsthand what it means to feel like one of few,” Dr. Torres said. “That experience will be invaluable to me as I work with colleagues to ensure Lewis & Clark is a more equitable and welcoming institution for all faculty, staff, and students. I also embrace this new role as an opportunity to use my skills and experience as a counselor, educator, advocate and LC community member to promote innovative, compassionate and collaborative ways of engaging in and meeting our equity and inclusion goals across campus and in our broader Portland community.”
Dr. Torres came to Lewis & Clark in 2004 as an assistant professor in the school counseling program in GSEC. She served as School Counseling Program Co-Director from 2005-2012 and is currently a tenured associate professor in the school.
During her time at the college, Dr. Torres has been active in scholarship and research, as well as in teaching. Her publications cover topics such as PK-20 school supports for BIPOC and undocumented students, equity-based data practices, and barriers to women’s career adjustment. She has been involved in several research projects with the Transactive Gender Project, was Co-PI on an Oregon Department of Education grant to establish a summer institute for new teachers of color, and continues to consult and serve on DEI initiatives in local K-12 school communities.
Dr. Torres will step back from her current duties at the graduate school to take on her new role as Dean of Equity and Inclusion. The position has been expanded from half-time to full-time. It will focus on strategic planning, faculty and staff support, and promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion institution-wide.
Dr. Torres received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University in 1995. She obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine in 1997. She was awarded her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon in 2004.
