Stephanie Aguilar-Smith

Dr. Stephanie Aguilar-Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at the University of North Texas (UNT) within the College of Education. Her work focuses on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Latinx experiences in higher education, and grant-seeking practices in academic contexts.

• Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Administration with a certificate in Chicano and Latino Studies from Michigan State University
• Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Georgia
• B.A. in Journalism (Public Relations) and B.A. in International Affairs from the University of Georgia

Dr. Aguilar-Smith’s research critically examines how HSIs navigate federal funding, the racialized patterns in grant allocation, and barriers faced by Latinx leaders in higher education. Her recent articles analyze the role of HSIs in promoting socioeconomic mobility, the impact of neoliberalism on pre-tenure faculty, and equity implications of Title V grants.

Her publications highlight trends in systemic inequities within HSIs, the intersection of race and funding, and the importance of language justice in educational spaces. She has also contributed to discussions on writing center administration and community college roles as racialized organizations.