Virginia Padilla-Vigil, Ph.D.
Virginia Padilla-Vigil, Ph.D., is a transformational educator and leader with over 30 years of experience across K–12, higher education, and state government. She is deeply committed to advancing equity and access to high-quality educational opportunities, aligning with the LANL Foundation’s mission to inspire excellence in education and strengthen learning in Northern New Mexico.
Dr. Padilla-Vigil earned her Ph.D. in Education (Language, Literacy & Sociocultural Studies) from the University of New Mexico, and an M.A. in Counseling and a B.A. in Elementary Education from the College of Santa Fe. Widely respected for her expertise in teacher education, she was appointed to chair the NM Professional Practices & Standards Council, where she shaped statewide policy and oversight for educator preparation.
Currently serving as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Southwestern College, she leads strategic enrollment planning and accreditation while overseeing faculty development, student success, and organizational capacity. She is also the founding director of the MA in Transformational Teaching, Learning, and Leadership program and the author of Mariposa, Where Did You Get Your Colors?, a children’s book that inspires young readers to embrace their unique gifts.
Her professional expertise spans online and digital learning, curriculum development, faculty training and development, accreditation, strategic planning, and community engagement. A recognized leader in educational innovation, she has advanced new models of teaching and learning that expand equity and access. In recognition of her leadership and innovation, she was honored as one of e.Republic’s Top 30 Technologists, Transformers & Trailblazers by the Center for Digital Education.
As a LANL Foundation Board Member, Dr. Padilla-Vigil contributes knowledge in transformational learning, equity-focused leadership, and educational innovation, supporting the Foundation’s core values of equity, excellence, collaboration, and integrity.