UMass Global's Hispanic Heritage Month Faculty Spotlight – Dr. David Gonzalez

IRVINE, Calif. (September 30, 2025) – As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), we proudly recognize the histories, cultures, and vital contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans across our university and nation. This year, we are pleased to highlight the accomplishments and service of Dr. David Gonzalez, President of the Faculty Assembly and Associate Professor of Public Administration and Leadership in the School of Business & Professional Studies.

Dr. Gonzalez’s career reflects a deep commitment to education and community service. Since 2014, he has taught and overseen the Master's in Public Administration (MPA) and Master's in Organizational Leadership (MAOL) programs, fostering faculty collaboration, student success, and program excellence.

Beyond the university, Dr. Gonzalez has made a lasting impact as President of the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce (HOT), a nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life through education, health, and cultural engagement. Under his leadership, HOT survived the COVID-19 pandemic, has expanded its long-standing scholarship program, created initiatives such as Bondad, which supports families impacted by immigration enforcement, and hosts annual cultural events like El Grito de Dolores that celebrate Mexican Independence Day while raising funds for student scholarships. These efforts reflect Dr. Gonzalez’s commitment to uplifting everyone in the community and fostering opportunity across generations.

Before entering academia, Dr. Gonzalez spent more than a decade with the La Habra Police Department in California, serving in a variety of roles, including police jailer, as a traffic investigator/community service officer and ultimately in administration as Emergency Manager. In addition, he contributed significantly to education as a Criminal Justice/Forensics Instructor with the North Orange County ROP/Orange Unified School District and did course and training design for the La Habra High School Police Forensics & Fire Academy.

Dr. Gonzalez holds a Doctor of Public Administration degree from the University of La Verne, where his research explored networks in public administration and democratic legitimacy, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Biola University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Hope International University. He is also active in scholarly communities as a member and moderator with Heterodox Academy and continues to serve as President of the UMass Global Faculty Assembly.

We invite everyone to celebrate Dr. Gonzalez and the many Hispanic and Latino leaders whose impact, service, and commitment enrich university life. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor diversity, recognize accomplishment, and reaffirm our shared commitment to an inclusive and vibrant community for all.