Dear members of the University family,
It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Dr. Margarita Perez, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, died last evening following a long illness. She was 50 years old. Her passing leaves a profound void in the life of our University and in the hearts of those who knew her.
Margarita devoted more than 25 years to higher education and student affairs, including the past decade at UL Â鶹´«Ã½app. She was an extraordinary leader who served with empathy, integrity and an unwavering focus on student well-being. Her work touched nearly every part of campus life and shaped the experiences of thousands of students.
Both professionally and personally, Margarita always exuded kindness and care. She found no greater joy than celebrating the success of others – colleagues and students alike. Margarita made a difference. Through her smile, her openness, her willingness to make everyone feel seen, heard and included, Margarita was a gift we all shared. She brought warmth to every conversation, steadiness to every challenge and joy to every success.
Earlier this month, she received the Dan Seymour Award, the highest honor from the Louisiana Association of College & University Student Personnel Administrators in recognition of her lifetime of student advocacy. She was also a past recipient of the University of Louisiana System Outstanding Staff Award for exceptional achievement and service.
Margarita faced her health challenges with the same courage and compassion that defined her life and career. Through her frankness and advocacy, she urged others to care for themselves – to make their health a priority and to seek preventive care. Even in adversity, she turned her experience into a message of hope and service to others.
A proud native of New Orleans, Margarita was a graduate of Mount Carmel Academy. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Loyola University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of New Orleans. She later received a doctoral degree in educational leadership from UL Â鶹´«Ã½app.
To colleagues and students alike, she was known for her generosity of spirit and her untiring belief in the transformative power of education. She often said she drew her energy from being around students – and our campus is stronger for the energy and heart she gave it.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her wife, Stephanie Galendez, assistant dean in the Graduate School, to their family, friends, and to the many students and colleagues whose lives she touched. Information about funeral arrangements and a campus remembrance will be shared when available.
Margarita helped others find their path. Hers was a life of service. Let us honor her memory by carrying forward that same spirit of care, advocacy and connection – for our students, for each other, and for the University she loved so deeply.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jaimie Hebert
Interim President