Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills is the 14th president of Aurora University and the first Latina to hold this position. Since July 2023, she has championed a collaborative culture, working with faculty and staff to implement a strategic plan focused on innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. This plan aims to empower students, strengthen communities, and establish Aurora as a higher education model. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Rivera-Mills understands the transformative power of education and champions access for underserved and first-generation students. The establishment of the Future Promise Fund reflects her commitment to education for the public good. With over 25 years of higher education experience, Dr. Rivera-Mills is passionate about developing future leaders who are innovative, courageous, and driven, fostering a new model of higher education rooted in radical collaboration.
In an exclusive interview with the Higher Education Digest, Dr. Rivera-Mills discusses the biggest challenges facing higher education today, from adapting to rapid technological advancements to ensuring equitable access for all students. She highlights Aurora University’s strategic initiatives, including career readiness programs, AI integration, and student mentorship models designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and workforce demands. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in shaping a supportive learning environment and shares her vision for a more collaborative, student-centered higher education landscape.
As the first Latina president of Aurora University, your career journey is both inspiring and groundbreaking. Could you share some key moments or decisions that shaped your leadership path and prepared you for this role?
My leadership path has been deeply influenced by the values of faith, perseverance, resilience, and the relationships I’ve cultivated over the years. I’m proud to be the first Latina president of Aurora University, but my journey started much earlier, shaped by the sacrifices my parents made when they left El Salvador in search of a better life for our family. Their story is one of hope and determination, and it instilled in me the belief that education is a powerful vehicle for transformation.
One of the most formative experiences in my life was the guidance of a high school teacher who recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue higher education. Her support played a crucial role in shaping my commitment to serving others through education and leadership. As I look back, it’s clear that the guidance of mentors and the relationships I’ve built have played a central role in preparing me for this position. I have been fortunate to have many mentors at each stage of my education and career. They not only guided me but connected me to valuable resources, made key introductions at the right time, and opened doors to opportunities and experiences that shaped my collaborative leadership style.
From your experience at institutions like Ball State University and Aurora University, what do you see as the most pressing challenges facing higher education globally, and how should institutions adapt to address them?
Higher education faces numerous challenges globally, many of which demand a proactive and adaptive response from institutions. One of the most pressing issues is the need to continuously evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. As industries shift and new technologies emerge, institutions must ensure that students are not only prepared for the workforce but are also equipped with the critical thinking, leadership, and adaptability skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected society.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to expanding access to higher education and preparing students to be leaders who live with purpose, are culturally competent, and civically engaged. My work has focused on ensuring equitable access, fostering diversity, and creating environments where students feel included and valued. I have led initiatives that align academic programs with workforce needs, such as Aurora University’s Career Skills Infusion Program, which bridges the gap between classroom learning and employer expectations by aligning coursework with National Association of Colleges and Employers career readiness competencies: career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology.
Expanding equitable and affordable access remains a fundamental challenge, particularly for first-generation and underserved students. Meeting students at their point of readiness requires institutions to rethink traditional models of education by offering flexible learning opportunities, enhancing online capabilities, and ensuring comprehensive student support services. Aurora University’s commitment to holistic student success is reflected in our strategic plan, which promotes a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We do all this while working with students to develop financial planning that will support their educational goals. At AU, 94% of our undergraduate students receive financial assistance.
Another challenge is integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into higher education in a way that enhances learning while maintaining ethical and responsible considerations. At Aurora University, we are taking a leadership role in AI literacy, helping students, faculty, and staff navigate this transformative field responsibly. Currently, courses in literacy, public relations, recreation, mathematics, psychology, and healthcare leverage VR, AI-driven simulations, and interactive tools. AI presents exciting opportunities but also complex challenges, and our goal is to make it a seamless vehicle for elevating human capacity and connections rather than replacing them.
To address these challenges, institutions must also strengthen partnerships with local communities, businesses, and organizations to ensure students gain practical, hands-on experience. I like to refer to this as “radical collaboration,” a model I believe higher education should embrace, moving away from the historical model of competition. At Aurora University, we collaborate with local schools, hospitals, and city leaders to create opportunities for student engagement, service projects, and career preparation. By embracing a student-centered approach, investing in faculty development, and fostering an inclusive environment, we can ensure that higher education continues to be a beacon of opportunity and societal progress.
Your efforts to connect universities to their communities have been impactful. How do you envision higher education evolving to strengthen these connections while fostering student success and community well-being?
I believe that a university’s success is deeply tied to the engagement of both the campus and the surrounding community. Open communication and collaboration are essential for strengthening these connections. Institutions must be proactive in fostering partnerships that enhance educational experiences and serve community needs. At Aurora University, this is reflected in initiatives such as the Career Skills Infusion Program, which we are implementing in partnership with many local and regional businesses and corporations. We also offer financial literacy workshops in partnership with the City of Aurora, and ongoing service projects that encourage student volunteerism. Radical collaboration requires us to think creatively about how we can work with other organizations and institutions to place students front and center and design innovative student experiences that are supported by complimentary and supplementary resources from each partner.
Last fall, we established the President’s Advisory Committee on External Relations. In this space, we bring together corporate and community leaders to address workforce challenges, including hiring trends and career skills gaps. This initiative fosters mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance students’ career readiness through paid internships, sponsorships, mentoring, scholarships, and professional networking opportunities. These efforts ensure that students graduate not only with technical expertise but also with the transferable skills employers seek. By integrating real-world applications into the curriculum and expanding experiential learning opportunities, we prepare students for purposeful careers and meaningful lives beyond simply earning an income.
Additionally, by fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel seen, supported, and valued, we empower them to succeed. Our strategic plan calls for promoting a culture of belonging, collaboration, and active participation, reinforcing our role as a university that serves its students and community with a forward-thinking, student-centered approach.
The future of higher education must embrace adaptability, innovation, and a deep commitment to student success. At Aurora University, we are committed to leading this charge through thoughtful partnerships, inclusive practices, and a focus on preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
Advancing DEI has been a central part of your leadership. What strategies or initiatives have you found most effective in creating inclusive and supportive academic environments?
Advancing DEI has always been central to my leadership. I believe creating an inclusive academic environment begins with a commitment to student success and collaboration. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building strong relationships and partnerships that drive institutional progress. I have found that when we implement initiatives that help students who may be struggling, those same initiatives also help all students feel more welcomed.
A key strategy has been ensuring all voices are represented and valued. As a first-generation college student, I understand the challenges that come with having to navigate a complicated educational system. Despite these challenges, I also believe in the transformative power of education, which fuels my dedication to expanding access and strengthening faculty-student connections. By embracing diverse perspectives, we foster an innovative and inclusive campus culture.
At Aurora University, we are focused on ensuring that every student is connected to a mentor from the moment they arrive on our campus. Each student is connected to an advisor and a success coach. In effect, what we are creating for each student is their own personal student success team — a group of people that will be with them during their time at AU to help them navigate our systems and reach their educational goals. By focusing on building these relationships, we know that students will have the resources they need to succeed and many of these relationships will follow them well after they graduate. I’m committed to renewing our focus on student-centered education and leveraging diversity to drive innovation and support every student’s success.
As a leader in academic innovation, what are some of the most promising trends or technologies you believe will shape the future of education, particularly in making quality learning more accessible?
I believe the future of education is deeply intertwined with emerging technologies and trends that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. One of the most promising developments is the continued rise of personalized learning. By leveraging data and AI, we can tailor education to each student’s unique needs, allowing for more flexible learning paths and better support, especially for students from diverse backgrounds. This makes quality education more accessible, not just in the classroom but for a variety of learners, regardless of their location or life circumstances.
Additionally, the integration of immersive technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, can revolutionize experiential learning. These tools allow for remote, hands-on experiences that were previously impossible. Coupled with online platforms and hybrid models, they can bridge gaps in access to high-quality education, ensuring that learning is available to all students, no matter where they are.
At previous institutions where I have worked, I’ve witnessed firsthand how embracing innovation can drive student success. Looking ahead, I’m committed to furthering Aurora University’s efforts to integrate these advancements, ensuring that we foster an environment where all students have the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world, and ensuring that we can meet students where they are by evolving and offering more of a hybrid learning experience.
As you lead Aurora University into its next chapter, what are your top priorities for the institution’s growth, impact, and contributions to the broader higher education landscape?
At Aurora University, what we refer to as our “future promise” begins with renewing our commitment to students and their success. This means ensuring that every student graduates with the confidence and adaptability to navigate an uncertain and rapidly changing world. To do this, we must embrace innovation in our curriculum, integrating interdisciplinary approaches, transferable skills, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for both their careers and meaningful lives.
Equally important is our responsibility to articulate the true value of higher education. We must communicate more effectively what it means to be an educated person and why the liberal arts serve as the foundation for both professional success and lifelong learning. Aurora University is uniquely positioned to lead this conversation and demonstrate the transformative power of our student experience.
Collaboration is key. Just as our institution has thrived through strong community ties, we must continue to foster partnerships — both on campus and beyond. Open communication, data-informed decision-making, and a culture of inclusion will drive our progress. A wholehearted commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will not only enrich our learning environment but also fuel the kind of innovation that leads to meaningful societal impact.
We also recognize that students come to us with different needs and responsibilities. Meeting them where they are means rethinking traditional higher education structures — expanding online capabilities, engaging adult learners, and providing flexible options for coursework and services. Our students balance jobs, extracurricular activities, and family commitments, and we must adapt to ensure they have the support they need to succeed.
Another priority is ensuring that career readiness begins on day one. A four-year approach to career exploration and preparation, strengthened by meaningful partnerships with employers, will ensure that our graduates leave AU with not just a degree, but real-world experiences, mentorship, and a clear pathway forward.
Ultimately, our work is about transformation. We don’t just educate students; we prepare them to change their lives, to help support their families, and contribute to their communities.
As a first-generation college student, your story is deeply motivating. What advice would you give to students or professionals who face significant barriers yet aspire to achieve their goals and make a difference?
First, don’t try to do this alone. Connect to people who are where you want to be, who have experience, who have already traveled the path that you are on. Ask them to mentor you, to give you advice, to introduce you to others that can help you, to open doors to opportunities and resources that you may not know about. At the end of the day, we succeed together when we help one another.