February 20, 2025
Welcome to MPA, Dr. Robert Perez! Dr. Perez will hold the position of chief finance and operations officer, and we are thrilled to introduce him to the community.
From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities: Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical College.
Tell us about your education and past experience.
Serving student needs and advancing education have been my primary goals throughout my educational and professional career. I attended California State University, Dominguez Hills, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business/Public Administration and a Master’s of Public Administration concentrating in Non-Profit Management. I obtained my doctoral degree in Education from Saint Cloud State University, focusing on Administration. I consider my professional experience as being hands-on, gaining experience in various roles in auxiliary services, business affairs and fiscal services. Most recently, I served as vice president and chief financial officer at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and Anoka Technical College.
What did you find appealing about MPA?
From the moment I set foot on campus at MPA, I felt at home. As I toured the campus and met with administrators, the passion for developing students as dreamers and doers was evident. MPA’s commitment to academic rigor, experiential learning, mutual respect, meaningful service, technology, and emphasis on arts and athletics played a key role in my decision to join MPA. Lastly, MPA’s exceptional faculty and staff and their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion align with my values.
What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
My lasting impact would be to play a key role in building upon MPA’s strengths. In my role in particular, I would like to enhance the customer service experience while building an even stronger financial foundation that promotes enduring stability and growth where and when the MPA community feels appropriate. An enduring “reinvestment in our students and the campus” would be my ultimate goal.
What’s your big dream?
Besides being a key member of MPA’s administrative team, my big dream is to help coach MPA athletes to run their first-ever marathon!
What are you passionate about?
My husband, Mario and I are both passionate about education and are both lifelong learners. We feel that you are never too old to pursue your educational dreams or just keep learning. We are also avid runners, having run multiple marathons and even an ultra-marathon. Another passion of mine is food. I love cooking, dining out, and trying new foods in different countries and communities. Fun fact: My first position in education was in food service at an independent school, where I learned that some of our youngest students were chefs and culinarians at home!
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I have an identical twin brother.
