Juan Jaimes Costilla (he/him/his) serves as the Inaugural Associate Dean of Students and Director of Latinx Student Empowerment within the Centers for Student Equity, Empowerment, & Belonging in the Dean of Students Office at Cornell University. Juan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, with a minor in Business Administration from Texas State University, San Marcos. Additionally, he received a Master’s degree in public policy at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In their previous role as the Latinx Student Support Coordinator and direct supervisor of Espacio Cultural Latinx at Berea College, Juan coordinated and implemented impactful programs, working with community partners and in philanthropic pursuits to continue advancing Latinx/e initiatives forward.

In the role of Director of Latinx Student Empowerment, Juan is excited to work closely with the Latino Living Center, offering comprehensive support and guidance to Latinx/e students across campus. One of Juan’s key priorities is to design and implement student-centered initiatives that foster identity development, leadership skills, and a strong sense of belonging.