Dr. Federico Zaragoza

President, The College of Southern Nevada

Dr. Federico Zaragoza stands as the first Latino leader of the Nevada System of Higher Education’s largest institution, one of the largest multi-campus higher education institutions in the country, serving approximately 50,000 students.

Under Dr. Zaragoza's leadership, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) was designated as a national Leader College of Distinction by Achieving the Dream in 2019. As the principal spokesperson for CSN, he plays a vital role on various state and national committees and commissions. His contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Ohtli Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Government of Mexico to individuals and organizations that have empowered the Mexican diaspora and paved the way for new generations of Mexican American and Latino leaders.

Dr. Zaragoza's accolades also include the Education Brillante Award from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) and the Texas Association of Community Colleges Carl Nelson Leadership Award.

He serves on numerous boards, including the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) as co-chair of the Commission on Economic & Workforce Development, the Las Vegas Urban Chamber, and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Board of Governors.

Dr. Zaragoza's academic credentials are extensive. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, a Master’s degree in Adult and Vocational Education, an Educational Specialist (ED.S) degree in Industrial and Technical Education from the University of Wisconsin–Stout, and a Ph.D. in Urban Education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.