Since the last Eastern Michigan University Dean of Students retired in July 2025, the provost's office has been maintaining the office as the university searched to find the right candidate to fill the position.
The job description of the dean of students is listed as follows: “Provides leadership and management of several offices that plan, develop, and administer the non-academic and co-curricular aspects of the student experience that engage and advance student development, learning, student retention, and success at Eastern Michigan University.” The dean of students will handle student conduct in disciplinary matters, behavioral concerns, violations of the student conduct code, and other non-academic student issues. In some cases, EMU's Department of Public Safety will refer issues to the dean of students instead of pursuing charges.
Aura Cazares is one of four final candidates for the position. The Eastern Echo sent Cazares a request for interview and did not receive a response.
Cazares received both her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and her Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies, Marketing and Communication from the University of Detroit Mercy. She recently earned her Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University.
A copy of her resume obtained by The Echo said she currently serves as the chief administrative officer for the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC), a nonprofit organization aiming to help first-generation and low income students through academic and career support programs and services. She manages recruitment, oversees staff, supports students and mentors and helps to promote MIiHC’s mission, her resume said.
Since May 2024, Cazares has been leading growth mindset training at MaryGrove Consulting, her resume said. She travels to Hispanic-serving institutions and leads presentations focused on growth mindset to staff and faculty.
From July 2023 to April 2025, Cazares was the assistant dean of students and the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Oakland University, her resume said. In this position, she focused on data to help the campus be an inclusive space where everyone felt as though they belonged. She oversaw case management, co-led Oakland’s Diversity Council and collaborated with the provost to uphold university policies and standards.
In the past, she has also served as student conduct and compliance officer, Title IX coordinator, enrollment services supervisor, director of undergraduate recruitment and outreach and associate director of admissions in various universities across Michigan and Texas, listed her resume.
Cazares has experience in community service work. She previously served as a Michigan Board Member for Planned Parenthood for the past three years. In the past, she was also part of Oakland County’s Gun Violence Commission, the Association of Student Conduct Administrators and been an advocate for local undocumented students, sexual assault victims, veteran health and Latinix student representation.
On her resume for the dean of students application, she listed her strengths from a DiSC personality profile as “restorative, relator, harmony, positivity and belief.” These traits all lend to Cazares being a kind, supportive and strong leader.
Editor's note: The Eastern Echo is covering the final candidates for Eastern Michigan University's dean of students position. This is one of four stories about each of the final candidates. To read about candidates Matthew Gregory, Renee' T. Watson and Jeanette Zalba, click the corresponding links.
