Orange Coast College Dean of Students Dr. Derek Vergara has been named a 2025 National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Pillar of the Profession, one of 20 individuals nationwide selected for the honor. Dr. Vergara will receive the award at the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference.
Dr. Vergara has been at OCC since 2013 and has served in various roles, including dean of Title IX and student relations. He developed Title IX protocols during his tenure to ensure students can safely report and receive care and support resources. Additionally, Dr. Vergara was instrumental in the planning and development of the Student Union complex and on-campus student housing, working to ensure that the spaces fostered social interaction and built community.
“I have observed with pride and admiration the transformative work that Dr. Vergara has accomplished,” says OCC President Angelica Suarez. “Dr. Vergara has consistently fostered an environment that is equity-minded, socially just, and inclusive for both students and employees. We are fortunate to have him as a crucial member of the Student Services leadership team.”
A member of NASPA since 1987, Dr. Vergara credits the organization with benefitting his development as a student affairs professional. He has served on numerous committees and on the NASPA Region VI advisory board for various years. In 2022, Dr. Vergara received the NASPA Region VI Community College Professional Award.
“Orange Coast College’s commitment to student success is exemplary,” says Coast Community College District Chancellor Whitney Yamamura. “OCC’s Dean of Students Dr. Derek Vergara is pivotal in shaping a supportive and inclusive campus environment.”
The NASPA Foundation recognizes outstanding student affairs and higher education community members through the Pillars of the Profession award, one of the foundation’s highest honors. The award is given by its members and supporters to recognize colleagues who have made outstanding contributions to the higher education field and NASPA.
According to the NASPA Foundation, the Pillar of the Profession award honors members of the profession who:
- Have provided significant service to NASPA through regional and national leadership roles within the association; and
- Have created a lasting impact on the institutions/organizations at which they have worked, leaving a legacy of extraordinary service recognized by a cross-section of institutional/organizational stakeholders; and/or
- Have demonstrated sustained, lifetime professional distinction in student affairs and/or higher education.
Dr. Vergara has taught courses at the University of La Verne, Citrus College, Azusa Pacific University, and Brandman University’s doctoral program in education. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social sciences from Azusa Pacific University and a doctorate in education, emphasizing organizational leadership at the University of La Verne.