Jennifer Espinola joined the Oregon Law team in August of 2013 as the Dean of Students. In this role, Dean Espinola is part of the senior management team focused on strategic planning, coordination, and implementation of academic and programming initiatives. More specifically, Dean Espinola takes a leadership role with all aspects of student life from Admissions through professional and career development. Other responsibilities include a host of student-focused initiatives such as Orientation, advising, crisis management, conduct, organizations, academic support, financial aid, and accessibility. Dean Espinola also serves as Director of the law school's Frohnmayer Leadership Program and instructor of the Leadership Practices for Professional Success course.
Dean Espinola is on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Law Student Affairs Professionals and will serve as its President for the 2022-2023 academic year. In 2021, she was honored by the organization with its distinguished "Core Four Award" for demonstrating distinction in four core areas of Student Affairs work: collaboration, outstanding service, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and excellence in leadership.
Dean Espinola received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of South Florida, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. Since 1999, her career has been focused on Higher Education Student Affairs and student development. Prior to joining Oregon Law, she served as the Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Miami, Director of Student Government Advising and Operations at the University of South Florida (USF), and as Director of the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement at USF. She also led the Faculty of Leadership Studies as Co-Director at USF and taught leadership courses for 9 years.
Dean Espinola is very passionate about the personal and professional development, support, and success of others and invests her time in organizations with similar missions. She has been an active volunteer for Best Buddies, International since 2003 having one of the longest matched friendships in the state of Florida. She is also part of the Lead Facilitators team of LeaderShape, Inc. which is dedicated to a just, caring and thriving world and helping students develop into leaders with integrity.
"Dean E" (as many students call her) is joined in Oregon by her partner, Wayne, a talented Web designer and photographer, and their dogs, Rio and Luna. They are family-focused and connected to their roots in Florida and Texas. And their interests and loves include LEGO, Karaoke, international travel, theater, hosting events for their community, and emulating Ted Lasso every chance they get.