Sonia Trevino says she is focused on providing Ferris State University’s Latinx students a place on campus where they feel at home while still connected to their roots.  

“In my role with all students, I hope to bring a sense of growth and outreach to area communities,” Trevino said. “One of the main functions of the Center for Latin@ Studies is to offer them a ‘home away from home,’ a safe space where students can learn and grow as leaders to feel represented and valued in the Ferris community.” 

Trevino, serving as the Center for Latin@ Studies’ interim director, was selected to take the helm after a competitive national search permanently. 

The center works to increase Latinx completion rates by informing the holistic student experience, maximizing equitable educational outcomes and career readiness through advocacy, community partnership, and culturally responsive academic, career, and personal development. 

Trevino came to Ferris in January 2022 as an academic advisor in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education. 

“Having earned various degrees in Texas and serving in roles in university and college operations there, I was initially nervous about the change of climate. But it has been wonderful,” Trevino said. “I have been welcomed at Ferris with open arms, which has been like a warm blanket.” 

Trevino said her learning pursuits at the University of Texas system schools and professional duties with universities and colleges there were important to her appointment as interim Center for Latin@ Studies director and receiving her current assignment. 

“I was very fortunate professionally, as my experience in event planning, curriculum involvement and goal setting helped me earn the opportunity to join the Center,” Trevino said. “As interim director, I looked at what events and programs had worked and served best for our student enrichment and engagement goals.” 

Trevino had also taken advisory assignments with Gamma Phi Omega, Alpha Epsilon Chapter of the international sorority, the newly formed Lambda Theta Phi registered student organization group and the Asian Student Organization. 

Trevino holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas-Brownsville and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas-Pan American. 

As part of Cohort 14 in Ferris’ Doctorate in Community College Leadership program, Trevino herself is working on furthering her professional development.