Luis Olivas (he/him) is the Peggy J Koenig ’78 Associate Dean of Students for Student Empowerment & Director of First-Generation & Low-Income Student Support. A proud first-generation college graduate, Luis brings a deep personal understanding of the barriers and opportunities that shape the experiences of first-gen and low-income scholars. In this role, he leads efforts to expand equitable access, strengthen student agency, and advance institutional practices that support persistence and degree completion.

Luis began his academic journey at Central Community College–Nebraska and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Ethnic Studies from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He is currently completing a doctoral degree in educational leadership through the University of Nebraska, focusing on asset-based approaches to student success in higher education.

Before joining Cornell, Luis served as the inaugural Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Inclusion & Belonging at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and as Director of Intercultural Engagement & Leadership at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. His student affairs career spans intercultural engagement, leadership development, Title IX compliance, student conduct, and inclusive excellence. A former contributor to BuzzFeed News, Univision, Telemundo, and NPR, he brings a storytelling lens to his work—one centered on elevating student voice and cultivating belonging. Outside of work, Luis and his spouse, Ashley, are committed advocates for educational equity and student success.