Women’s History Month Highlight: Dr. Christiane Herber-Valdez

As Women's History Month kicks off, we take a moment to recognize the achievements of Christiane Herber-Valdez, Ed.D., a trailblazer in the field of higher education administration at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. Her dedication to enhancing academic processes and programs has resulted in significant advancements for Hispanic students in our Borderplex region.

“I strongly believe in leaders developing those they lead,” said Dr. Herber-Valdez. “I have been fortunate to have had strong female mentors during the course of my career – and I strive to do the same for others.”

As the assistant vice president for academic affairs at TTUHSC El Paso, Dr. Herber-Valdez oversees the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness (OIRE), working tirelessly to enhance and support the institution’s academic mission. In addition, she serves as the institutional liaison to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC ) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, ensuring that the institution is in compliance with accreditation standards.

In 2018, Dr. Herber-Valdez played a critical role in TTUHSC El Paso receiving SACSCOC accreditation. The following year, she helped the institution earn Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status, an achievement that has enabled TTUHSC El Paso to better serve Hispanic students in our Borderplex region, who make up 49% of the university’s enrollment.

Her commitment to promoting bilingual health care education is reflected in her work as the principal investigator for a Title V Hispanic Serving-Institutions (HSI) grant TTUHSC El Paso received from the U.S. Department of Education. This $3 million award – Puentes Hacia el Exito (Bridges Toward Success) – provides programming for Hispanic students, specifically addressing the critical shortage of Hispanic nurses and nurse educators. Dr. Herber-Valdez has made it her life's work to support Hispanic students in their pursuit of higher education, building her career exclusively at HSIs.

Prior to joining TTUHSC El Paso, Dr. Herber-Valdez held positions at the University of Texas at El Paso and New Mexico State University. Her roles included not only the areas of student services but also the management and evaluation of large-scale, federally funded program grants of the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health.

A native of Germany, Dr. Herber-Valdez attended UTEP soon after moving to the U.S. She earned her B.A. in psychology, followed by an M.A. in clinical psychology and an Ed.D. in educational leadership with a concentration in higher education administration. Her doctoral research focused on Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) – specifically, HSIs and their important role in the education of Hispanic Americans. Her educational accomplishments are a testament to her unwavering dedication to the field of higher education administration.

“As the first female in my family to attend college – in a foreign country and language – I understand the importance of mentorship. While the women in my family taught me to be strong and resilient, female leaders in academia guided me throughout my education and career,” Dr. Herber-Valdez said. “I’m grateful for those who helped me succeed, and I’m honored to be in a position where I can pay this forward to others.”

An assistant professor in the Foster School of Medicine’s Department of Medical Education, Dr. Herber-Valdez is committed to academic excellence and dedicated to enhancing academic processes and programs. Her achievements have earned her widespread recognition in her field and the admiration of the university throughout her career. Adding to her legacy, she is a breast cancer survivor who advocates enthusiastically for regular screenings.

TTUHSC El Paso is proud to have Dr. Herber-Valdez paving the way for our campus and advancing our mission.

Bilingual Health Care Champion