Marvin Lopez joins college as director of student programs

Marvin J. Lopez, long active in industry discovering and developing university talent, joins the College of Engineering on January 19 as director of student programs. In this newly created position, Lopez leads a team of Engineering Student Services professionals responsible for a portfolio of programs that support the academic success as well as the leadership and professional development of Berkeley Engineering undergraduates.

Marvin LopezLopez will also amplify efforts to attract and retain students from historically underrepresented groups in engineering.

“Marvin Lopez is absolutely the right individual to lead the strategic growth of our student programs,” said Oscar Dubón, the college’s associate dean for equity and inclusion as well as student affairs. “We have the talent and resources in place to ensure that Berkeley Engineering students can fulfill their potential as leaders and innovators, and we’re excited to have Marvin on board to provide vision and momentum.”

Lopez holds a B.S. in computer science and engineering from UCLA as well as a certificate of business administration from UC Berkeley Extension. He pursued an extensive career in software development, managing increasingly critical systems and teams. Over his 20+ year career in industry, he found a passion for developing university talent, taking on global leadership roles in university relations and diversity at organizations such as PG&E, Intuit and AMD. Most recently, Lopez explored the start-up world, focusing on efforts to address the diversity gap in tech companies.

As a champion of diversity in STEM, he worked closely with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers and Society of Women Engineers at campuses such as Berkeley, UCLA and San José State. He has been recognized in particular for his work with low-income, first-generation and underrepresented minority students, and was recently named the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

“Through my professional and volunteer roles, I have gained deep insights into what it takes to successfully transition from the university to the professional world,” said Lopez. “I’m looking forward to ensuring the success of our students, creating a world-class diverse and inclusive student population and enhancing Berkeley’s reputation as the world’s preeminent public institution.”

Lopez is already well-known to many Berkeley Engineering students, who have benefited from his workshops on leadership, professional networking, résumé writing and interviewing.