Jose J. Gutierrez

My commitment to my teaching and research comes from my background in Oakland, CA, and later, Montebello, CA. Growing up in these communities, I witnessed firsthand how racial inequality and social class inequality harm communities of color — particularly through the alienation of vulnerable populations from mainstream social institutions, such as policing, schooling, hospitals, and social services. As a result, I aim to make institutions of higher education more receptive to working-class communities of color through both my research and teaching.

My approach to research and teaching is deeply informed by my own journey in higher education. Beginning at East Los Angeles College, I quickly learned of the importance of institutional support in shaping student outcomes as a participant in the John Delloro Transfer Program in Social Justice. After transferring to UC Santa Barbara and beginning my graduate studies at UCI, I have had this lesson reinforced continuously. Many of the opportunities I have benefited from existed because of concerted efforts to support students from working-class, first-generation, and immigrant backgrounds like mine.

These lessons from my educational trajectory shape how I teach and support students in and beyond the classroom. Throughout my time in higher education, I have regularly participated in mentorship programs to support underrepresented students in their transition to a four-year institution, graduate school, or the research process — some of which include UC Irvine’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship for visiting undergraduate researchers striving to earn admission to doctoral programs, Competitive Edge Program for incoming doctoral students, and the university’s Research Opportunity Program for undergraduates interested in getting involved in research.

I welcome students from all backgrounds who want to chat about their college experiences and share how they are navigating higher education, wherever they are in their journey. Please feel free to contact me via email or stop by during office hours!