Dear colleagues and friends,
I am pleased to share that following a national search, UC Merced has selected Alex Ramos as Associate Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services. He will join the campus on August 3, 2026.
Alex brings nearly two decades of leadership experience within the University of California system, spanning housing and residential operations, dining enterprises, finance and capital planning. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for the Division of Student Affairs at UC Santa Barbara, where he provides strategic leadership for financial planning and administrative operations across a broad portfolio of student facing services.
He brings a strong combination of financial acumen, operational experience, and deep knowledge of the UC system, along with a collaborative and student-centered leadership approach. Alex is known for his focus on data-informed decision-making and his ability to connect day-to-day operations with long-term strategy to support sustainable, high-quality auxiliary services.
As Associate Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services, Alex will oversee a dynamic portfolio that includes Transportation and Parking Services, the Early Childhood Education Center, Hospitality and Catering Services, Retail Services, Auxiliary Systems, and the University Store. The portfolio also includes a centralized auxiliaries finance and administrative function that brings together financial planning, reporting, and coordination across all auxiliary services, in close partnership with Housing & Residence Education and Dining Services in Student Affairs.
I extend my appreciation to Deborah Henderson for her leadership and contributions to Auxiliary Services during this transition. Her efforts have helped ensure continuity and sustained progress, and her deep institutional knowledge continues to be a valuable asset to the division and campus.
The university extends its appreciation to the members of the search committee for their time, engagement, and thoughtful contributions throughout the process:
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Gerry Elizondo, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff, Finance and Administration
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Brian O’Bruba, Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs Strategic Planning & Operations
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Kevin Reyes, Director, Talent Development, Human Resources
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Tyler Slacks, Project Manager
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Christy Snyder, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Deputy Chief Information Officer
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Meagan Torres, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Procurement Officer
I also thank all those who participated during the interview process, along with Gina Vieira for her support in the planning and coordination of the search and campus visits.
Please join us in welcoming Alex Ramos to UC Merced. We are confident his experience and leadership will help advance Auxiliary Services and continue supporting the success of our students.
Sincerely,
Kurt Schnier
Vice Chancellor for Planning & Budget and Chief Financial Officer
