Vanessa Rodriguez

Vanessa Pierce Rodriguez is the Associate Dean of Online and City College, where she oversees success and retention efforts for online undergraduate and graduate students.  With over a decade of experience in student affairs specializing in online and post-traditional learners, she brings a holistic and student-centered approach to her work.

Before joining Loyola, Vanessa served as the Assistant Dean for Student Support and Success at Tulane University School of Professional Advancement.   Prior to that, she practiced as a psychotherapist in New York City, supporting a variety of traditionally marginalized populations.  She then attended Tulane Law School, where she was a  member of Tulane 34 and went on to work with the New Orleans Community-Police Mediation Program and served on the federal panel of mediators for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Vanessa has taught undergraduate and graduate courses ranging from Shakespeare to law, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to education.  She believes deeply in the power of community, serving on the board of Goat in the Road theatre company, as a member of the Special Education Advisory Committee of the Willow School, and as an appointed member of the Quality Assurance Review Advisory Committee for the New Orleans Office of Inspector General.  

Through her blended background in counseling, law, and student affairs Vanessa bridges systemic insight with empathetic action.  She is passionate about creating engaging online learning environments and opening doors for students to succeed.