Ed.D.
University of San Francisco
M.S.
McDaniel College
B.A.
University of San Diego
Institute for Educational Management (Harvard Graduate School of Education)
About
Dr. Mary Grace Almandrez serves as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to the President. In this role, she oversees presidential initiatives, supports institutional governance, coordinates Cabinet operations, and promotes collaboration across the University. She aligns talent, resources, and initiatives to advance the University’s priorities and strengthen institutional effectiveness.
With nearly three decades of experience in academic affairs, student life, and senior administration, Dr. Almandrez has dedicated her career to helping executive leaders
navigate change with clarity, compassion, and purpose. She has served in a variety of senior roles, including inaugural and interim appointments, guiding institutions through periods of transition while building trust, strengthening culture, and preparing them for sustained success.
Before joining Valparaiso University, Dr. Almandrez served as Vice President for People and Culture at Syracuse University, Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Rhode Island, and Associate Vice President for Campus Life at Brown University. She has
advanced operational excellence, championed professional development, and cultivated healthy workplace cultures. She is recognized for fostering collaboration, developing emerging leaders, and helping organizations navigate complexity while remaining grounded in shared values.
Dr. Almandrez’s teaching and research interests include leadership development, inclusive excellence, and higher education administration. She holds a Doctor of Education in Organization and Leadership from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Science in Human Resources Development from McDaniel College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of San Diego. She also completed the Institute for Educational Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
