is the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Montclair State University.  Gonzales brings extensive experience as a leader in higher education. He has served as the chief academic officer at the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, which like Montclair is committed to serving a diverse 21st-century student demographic and one that has achieved R1 designation as a top tier research university. Gonzales led efforts at UTEP that significantly increased student retention and degree completion, expanded online programs, and helped to increase faculty and student research.