Diana Natalicio, UTEP’s former president lauded for expanding college access for Latinos, dies

Diana Natalicio was a pioneer in higher education and was commended for building a small campus in El Paso into a national research facility while expanding college access for Latinos.

During her three decades at the University of Texas at El Paso, she focused on enrolling more first-generation college students so that the school reflected the community.

“If you are a public institution, I believe it is your responsibility to serve the public,” Natalicio said in an interview with The Dallas Morning News in 2019, recalling her early days as president. “One of the first data points I noticed was the discrepancy between the ethnic distribution of the population of El Paso and the ethnic distribution of the population of UTEP. And nothing could explain the inequality except the lack of opportunities for students with Hispanic or Latin American backgrounds. “

Natalicio died on Friday at the age of 82.

Current President Heather Wilson commended Natalicio for defying critics who said it was not possible to open up higher education to everyone while still providing a first class experience.

“The Miner family has lost a great advocate and leader who dedicated her life to changing the lives of others,” WIlson said in a statement. “Our hearts are with all those whose lives they have touched. We mourn the loss of an inspiring leader and celebrate her legacy of access and excellence that lives on. “

UTEP has consistently been recognized as one of the best Hispanic universities in the country. Natalicio, who headed the university from 1988 to 2019, was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2016.

Natalicio was appointed to the Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans by President George HW Bush and later appointed to the National Science Board by President Bill Clinton.

In 2019, UTEP became an R1 graduate university for its “highest research activity,” an award that less than 5% of the country’s universities receive.

Natalicio’s brother Bill Siedhoff said in a statement: “Diana was my closest friend; we have been very close all of our lives. Not only did we share many happy memories growing up in St. Louis, but she was my eternal travel companion, often traveling the world together. My sister loved El Paso and she decided to retire there. “

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser said after hearing about Dr. Natalicio had learned:

“It’s a sad day for El Paso. Dr. Natalicio was an incredible person who dedicated her life to UTEP and the thousands of students whose lives she changed for the better. I will always be grateful to her for her friendship and advice. “

Natalicio grew up in St. Louis and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from St. Louis University. She studied Portuguese in Brazil on a Fulbright Scholarship and received a Masters in Portuguese and a PhD in Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin.

Alfredo Carbajal, Editor-in-Chief / Al Día, contributed to this story.

The DMN Education Lab deepens reporting and discussion on pressing educational issues that are critical to the future of North Texas.

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