Laura Rendon

Laura I. Rendón is Professor of Higher Education in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Texas-San Antonio. She is also Co-Director of the Center for Research and Policy in Education.

A native of Laredo, Texas Rendón’s passion is assisting students who, like her, grew up in poverty with hopes and dreams but not knowing how to realize them. Rendón is credited with developing the theory of validation, that colleges and researchers have employed as a framework for working with low-income students.

Rendón is also a teaching and learning thought leader. She is the author of the book, Sentipensante (Sensing/Thinking Pedagogy) that addresses contemplative pedagogy and social justice. She is also working on new books, including The Latino Student Guide to STEM Careers.

In 2013 the Texas Diversity Council awarded Rendón the title of being one of the Most Powerful and Influential Women in Texas. Rendón has also designed and coordinated the yearly Latino/a Student Success Institute for the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education.

Rendón earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She holds an M.A. in counseling and guidance and psychology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. She earned a B.A. in English and journalism from the University of Houston and holds an associate of arts degree from San Antonio College. Rendón also attended Laredo Community College.