Tracy Poon Tambascia

Dr. Tracy Poon Tambascia serves as the Veronica and David Hagen Chair in Women’s Leadership and Professor of Higher Education at the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education. Her academic focus includes doctoral-level teaching and dissertation supervision. Previously, she held senior administrative positions including Vice President of Student Affairs at Art Center College of Design and Dean of Students at Whittier College, overseeing functions like student life, financial aid, and counseling services.

Education:

• Ed.D., Educational Leadership, USC Rossier School of Education
• M.A., Psychology, California State University, Los Angeles
• B.A., Psychology, Occidental College

Her research examines systemic approaches to equity in higher education, particularly through the lenses of international education policy, student affairs administration, and access initiatives for marginalized populations including undocumented students, immigrants, and Asian American/Pacific Islander communities. Her scholarship consistently addresses power structures affecting student success.

Publication themes demonstrate longitudinal focus on educational equity, with recent work emphasizing mentorship frameworks for AAPI leaders, immigrant workforce development, and reflective leadership practices. Earlier research established foundations in identity negotiation among minority student populations and administrative conflict resolution.

Major Honors:

• Veronica and David Hagen Chair in Women’s Leadership (2022)
• Title IX Trailblazer, USC (2022)
• Distinguished Faculty Service Award, USC Academic Senate (2020)
• NASPA API KC Research Scholarship Award (2018)
• Rossier Mentoring Award (2019)

She manages significant grants including multi-year awards from the James Irvine Foundation and Title V programs. As dissertation chair, she guides doctoral candidates researching higher education policy and equity. Professional leadership includes chairing the WASC Senior College accreditation commission and serving on NASPA's Board of Directors.