As Agam Patel Embarks on a New Role at UC Riverside, His Legacy Continues to Inspire Growth and Connection
Some people are simply part of the foundation of a place. For the UCR Palm Desert Center, that person has been our current executive director, Agam Patel. For over 16 years, he has been a constant presence, a passionate advocate, and the steady hand guiding us forward. It is with a mix of deep gratitude and sadness that we announce he will be leaving the Center for a new leadership role at UC Riverside.
Agam’s journey with us began in 2008 as an Administrative Specialist and has been a story of continuous growth and unwavering commitment to our community. He has worn many hats, and in each role, his focus has been on people. As a graduate advisor for over a decade, he personally coached and mentored students, helping them clarify their academic and career goals to create personalized pathways for success.
His career has been defined by a deep-seated commitment to advocacy and transformative leadership. He was instrumental in transforming the low-residency MFA program into a thriving, profitable center that served hundreds of students, faculty, and alumni, nationwide. He worked to ensure all students had a voice, establishing the Visible Voices Scholarship for underrepresented writers as well as establishing workforce development opportunities for Coachella Valley residents. His advocacy extended across the university; he directed advocacy efforts at the state capital and, as President of UCR's Staff Assembly, was a tireless champion for over 3,000 staff members, helping to establish a permanent campus food pantry.
More than anything, Agam has been our bridge to the Coachella Valley. He has been instrumental in weaving UCR into the fabric of our region, serving with organizations like OneFuture Coachella Valley to support local students on their path to college and beyond. He fostered partnerships with hundreds of local agencies and individuals, bringing the brilliant research and work of UCR faculty directly to our community through lectures, research seminars, and cultural events.
While we will miss his daily presence, this is not truly a goodbye. Agam is taking his passion for service to a larger stage as the new executive director for Student Advocacy and Support within UCR's Health, Well-Being, and Safety organization. He will now have the opportunity to impact the entire student body, a challenge for which his entire career has prepared him. The indelible mark he leaves on the Palm Desert Center is a legacy of compassion, connection, and community that will continue to guide our work for years to come.
Thank you, Agam, for everything. And thank you to our entire community of partners and supporters for being part of this journey. We are excited to build on the strong foundation Agam has established as we move into our next chapter.
For questions or venue inquiries for UCR Palm Desert, please email palmdesert@ucr.edu.