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Kevin J. Vaughn, Ph.D.
Dean, UCR University Extension
Professor of Anthropology, UC Riverside
Visiting Professor, Yamagata University, Japan

UCR University Extension Dean Kevin Vaughn Kevin J. Vaughn, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized authority on Andean archaeology, Professor of Anthropology, and the Dean of UCR University Extension. Kevin has been in higher education leadership for nearly 25 years and has been the Dean at UCR University Extension for over five years. Before coming to UCR, Kevin served as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at UCLA Extension from 2015 and spent a decade at Purdue University as a tenured Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies. He earned Master of Arts and Ph.D. degrees in anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington. Kevin has recently received an honorary appointment as a Visiting Associate Professor at Yamagata University in Japan.

When he came to UCR in 2018, Kevin saw unlimited boundaries, and said “The opportunity to increase UCR University Extension’s impact on the region is compelling. Continuing education developed in partnership with UCR schools and colleges that can be delivered across a wide range of platforms and modalities will leverage the full value a comprehensive research university can bring to growing regions like the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley.”

Under Kevin’s guidance and encouragement, UCR University Extension received the 2019 West Region Engagement Award, and the National Award for Engagement, presented at UPCEA’s 2020 Annual Conference in Boston. Both awards honored innovative partnerships that allowed students access to learning opportunities they may not have otherwise had.

In 2020, the educational world was turned upside down by a global pandemic and civic and cultural unrest. Kevin saw an opportunity to combine his skill at relationship building, his background in archaeology, and his knowledge of society and culture, to expand his commitment to UCR University Extension’s platforms on diversity and inclusion, reaching out to community and university partners, and students. An organizational committee was formed to host discussions and provide students, instructors, and staff a forum to exchange thoughts and share ideas. Kevin began recording video messages to our students and partners around the world to keep them engaged and assure them that they are actively part of our future, and at UCR, they are offered a diverse and inclusive learning culture where all students, from every background, are welcomed and respected.

In 2022, Kevin spearheaded a merger with the University of California Palm Desert campus which expanded UCR University Extension’s presence, reach, and connection to students in the Coachella Valley. The UCR Palm Desert Center is a dynamic center for research and education that serves as a visible symbol of UCR’s ongoing commitment to the Coachella Valley region. It is the base for UCR research programs, as well as a venue for enriching community programs, continuing education courses, and the low-residency MFA program in Creative Writing.

In 2023, Kevin was instrumental in the launch of an important initiative, developed by the University of California Reengagement Consortium (UCRC), a four-campus collective that includes the Extension divisions of UCR, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, and UC Merced, designed to re-engage college stop-outs and help them re-enter the UC system, and complete their degrees.

Kevin believes that higher education belongs to everyone, and he is a staunch advocate for UCR and UCR University Extension, both locally and globally. Kevin is dedicated to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is deeply committed to upholding these values--not just for himself, but for his staff, as well. His education, experience, and personal values back this up. He continues to build a stronger sense of community and makes sure that everyone he comes in contact with feels valued, respected, and genuinely included.

Marie C. Martin, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
Director of Academic Quality, Integrity, and Assessment
Director of Degree Completion Programs

Marie C Martin PhD Associate Dean of Academic Affairs UCR University Extension Marie C. Martin, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at UCR University Extension. Marie is an educator and published scholar on higher education, leadership, and management with over 15 years of experience in higher education administration in R1 universities, liberal arts colleges, and continuing education. Marie works with a growth mindset to advance UCR University Extension’s goals and ensure responsiveness to the educational needs of non-traditional learners, both domestic and international, through quality, rigorous courses, and programs. She is also the Director of Academic Quality, Integrity, and Assessment, and UC Degree Completion Programs, providing leadership in curricular and instructional areas, strategic planning, partnership engagement, student success, academic quality, distance education and financial management.

Marie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT, a Master of Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and a doctorate in Higher Education Administration and Policy from the University of California, Riverside. A firm believer in the power of lifelong learning, she has also completed a Specialized Study in Supervision, Leadership, and Team Excellence at UCR University Extension and was a participant in the UC Women’s Initiative on Professional Development. She serves as Vice Chair At-Large on the UPCEA Program Planning and Implementation Network.

Marie believes that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging should be woven into the fabric of all we do. She proudly serves as Chair of the Social Justice Taskforce and guest lectures and teaches courses in Social Justice Leadership, Education Policy, Social Movements and Campus Activism, Qualitative Research, and other topics in higher education. She is the recipient of the UCR Tartan Soul Award, recognizing her character as a leader who demonstrates integrity, accountability, excellence, and respect. Marie believes that every individual deserves a right to an education and is proud to be a part of a prestigious university that offers workforce aligned professional programs, international education programs, and pathways to degree completion.

Eric M. Latham, M.P.A.
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Eric M Latham MPA Chief Financial and Administrative Officer UCR University Extension Eric M. Latham, M.P.A., is the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for UCR University Extension. Eric has worked in Continuing and Professional Education at the University of California for nearly 20 years. As a passionate advocate for educational access and inclusion, his mission has been to make higher education accessible to a wide range of students. During that time, Eric developed and managed programs designed specifically to meet the needs of adult and non-traditional learners. As CFAO, he works to ensure that the financial and administrative departments of UCR University Extension and the UC Palm Desert Center run smoothly to meet the educational and professional growth needs of our students, faculty, staff, and community.

Eric received his undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Oregon, and a Master in Public Administration from the University of La Verne. Prior to coming to the UC system, Eric was an educator, administrator, and leader of innovative education and community support programs for people with disabilities.