In August 2008, Sylvia Rodriguez Andrew, Ph.D. joined Antioch University Los Angeles as the campuses first Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Communications team caught up with Dr. Andrew in September to chat about her first two months, her thoughts on Antioch University Los Angeles and to get to know her better.

AULA: We would like to start by welcoming you to Antioch University Los Angeles

Sylvia Andrew: Thank you - I'm delighted to be here

AULA: You’ve been here a little over a month now; please tell us about your initial experiences and impressions thus far?

SA: I have been impressed with the faculty's commitment to teaching and to their student's success both in and outside of the classroom

AULA: How are you adjusting to the move to Culver City?

SA: The greater LA area is about 20 times larger than San Antonio and San Jose in terms of population - so this is a major adjustment. However, the range of opportunities, events, and activities that are available here exist only in LA - I don't think that there is anyplace that comes close to the cultural and linguistic diversity that exists here. Culver City is such a marvelous place; there is so much to see and so many things to do. I've been impressed with the growth and focus on redevelopment particularly in the downtown Culver City area.

AULA: You've been involved in academia throughout your life, tell us some of the reasons you have chosen to stay in this field?

SA: I have always believed that education makes it possible for individuals to achieve their dreams. As a child growing up in Texas during a very turbulent time in history, many of the things people took for granted were simply not available or even possible. My father used to remind us that a "good education" was something that could never be taken away. Education has made it possible for me to achieve what was once only a dream - and I promised my parents and myself that I would work towards making access to higher education a reality for those that wanted it. I have remained in higher education because I see students coming through our doors at the beginning of each academic year - some are the first in their families to attend a University, some have put their dreams of higher education on hold, some are beginning to fulfill dream after raising families. All of them, however, hope that they will "walk across the stage" to get their diploma. Seeing students who come in hesitant but leave confident in what they have achieved and what they will achieve with their education is what drives me and keeps me committed to working with the next generation of students.

AULA: You mentioned, your parents stressed the value of education; tell us a little about your education background.... and we understand you recently sat for the bar exam, how did it go?

SA: Growing up in San Antonio in probably one of the poorest areas of the city, the schools were not the safest place to be. Teachers had limited resources and faced numerous challenges in the classroom. My parents did not have the opportunity to finish high school yet they instilled the importance of education in all six of their children. They invested in our education by sending us to catholic schools which was very expensive at the time. I attended a girls high school in San Antonio were I served as the Editor of our school paper and my mentor, Sr. Gemma, opened the doors for me so I could attend St. Edwards University in Austin where I earned my BA degree in Sociology and a certificate in Social Welfare. After graduation, I worked for a few years with older adults and then went back for my Masters Degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University. About 8 years later, I attended the University of Texas at Austin where I earned my doctorate in Social Work. In 2001, I graduated from Lincoln Law School in San Jose with a JD. I took the bar in July - it was a difficult but fair examination.

AULA: What is your sense of the opportunities that lie ahead for Antioch University Los Angeles?

SA: I truly believe that Antioch University Los Angeles is poised to take a significant role in higher education both in the LA area and throughout the state of California. The faculty are currently working to develop some exciting new degree and certificate programs that are timely, relevant, and in areas that are critical and consistent with Antioch's Mission. Antioch University has a long history of being in the forefront of preparing tomorrow's leaders and we will continue that tradition by leading in areas where our graduates are making a difference in communities, corporations, local and state governments, schools, and universities across the country. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet some of our alumni and they consistently spoke about their educational experience and the difference AULA made in their lives. Although our academic reputation is solid - we need to let more people in on our success and let others know about what they can expect from an "Antioch University education".

AULA: Tell us a little more about your background as an activist and scholar in the Texas and California Latino communities.

SA: My early work experience was with older adults that were in the State Hospital - most really didn't need to be there - there simply was no place for them to go. Later, my work with older adults led me to conduct some early research on what is now "elder abuse". At the time, we really didn't know very much about elder abuse or that it happened in families. My research, based on reported cases of elder maltreatment in Texas, identified several policy and practice areas that were later adopted by the State Dept of Human Services - I was invited to testify before the Texas legislature on my findings. The most severe cases of elder maltreatment were cases where family members were involved with alcohol and/or drug use. My interest in substance abuse continued and I had the opportunity to work with local substance abuse intervention and treatment programs to design programs for youth and women. I was appointed to several local and state commissions in Texas. Several years ago, I was appointed to the national Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory committee. Several years ago, I was elected as President of the California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Shortly after taking office, I learned that the California chapter was the second largest in the country - when I learned that New York was the largest chapter - I knew we could recruit more members. So, we launched a little competition with New York and we implemented a statewide effort to recruit new members and we became the largest chapter! That was lots of fun. I got the "activist" label when I conducted some research on the elderly nutrition program in San Antonio. They city needed to make reductions and this program was identified because there didn't seem to be any "outcomes", I worked with several of my graduate research assistants and trained "elder" interviewers and presented my findings to the city council -- let's just say that after that meeting -- their funding was not only restored but increased! I still have the little "doll" from the seniors as a token of their appreciation.

AULA: What do you like to do in your spare time?

SA: I enjoy watching movies featured on Turner Classics - but lately, I've been absolutely captivated by the Japanese series that comes on every Saturday evening at 9 pm. Last Saturday was episode #32 about Princess Atsumi.

The office of the Provost is on the 2nd floor in Suite 2020. Dr. Andrew invites the community to contact her at (310)578-1080 ext 401 with any questions or suggestions.