Edward Abeyta, Ph.D.

Edward L. Abeyta, PhD, serves as the Associate Dean for Education and Community Outreach at the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, specializing in learning across the lifespan and the linkage among education, workforce development, and diverse communities across the globe. Serving learners from precollege to retirement, Abeyta has dedicated his life to transforming education and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and access, he has made significant contributions to the academic community as an educator, author, public speaker, administrator, and advocate. His commitment to empowering others extends beyond the classroom and administrative office. Abeyta is an education innovator who actively participates in binational community initiatives to create opportunities for underserved populations. His dedication to philanthropy has led him to support organizations focused on access, education, mentorship, and economic mobility, further solidifying his role as a catalyst for positive change. Abeyta has been recognized by UC San Diego, the UC Office of the President, and the California Office of the Governor for his involvement in staff diversity and development initiatives and as a leader in donor stewardship. He serves on various community advisory boards and is a founding trustee of Urban Discovery Schools in San Diego, where he currently serves as the president of the UDA Foundation. He has a BA from the University of New Mexico, an MA from the University of San Diego, and a PhD in Postsecondary Adult Education from Capella University. He served as the Staff Advisor to the University of California Regents from 2008–2010.