Rhonda M. Gonzales

Dr. Rhonda M. Gonzales is a professor of history in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Denver. Her areas of research and teaching expertise include African and African Diaspora history, specifically the history of East Africa and the early Atlantic slave trade to Mexico. Prior to her current role, Dr. Gonzales was dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences from 2021-2024. Previously, Dr. Gonzales served as interim vice president for student success and associate vice provost for strategic initiatives at the University of Texas at San Antonio, as well as serving as chair of the history department and interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UTSA. 

After completing her PhD at the University of California at Los Angeles, Dr. Gonzales began her academic career at Macalester College in Minnesota before moving to The University of Texas system. She has been PI or co-PI on grants totaling more than $11 million to support student success, research and justice initiatives. She is an advocate for the advancement of women and staff professionals and is deeply committed to the success of women of color within the history profession and beyond.