University of the Pacific alumna Vanessa Buitrago ’14, a graduate of Modesto City Schools, is coming full circle, recently appointed superintendent of the Central Valley school district.

Buitrago, who earned a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Pacific, is the most recent Benerd College graduate shaping education at one of the highest levels, joining an impressive network of Benerd alumni.

Alumnus Daniel Shipp ’10 is president of Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, Shawnterra Moore ’05, ’09 serves as superintendent of South San Francisco Unified and Amy Peterman ’16 is superintendent of Ceres Unified Schools, a position held by two other Benerd alumni until their retirements—Denise Wikam '07 and Scott Pierce '11.

“A degree from Benerd not only provides students with in-depth discipline specific knowledge but also hones students’ transferable skills,” said Benerd College Dean Patricia Campbell. “These skills enable graduates to seamlessly advance their careers, moving from classroom educators to leaders within their profession. One critical skill our students develop is confidence, including the confidence to build upon their foundational learning to empower others.”

Buitrago, who assumes her new position in July, shared her thoughts on her time at Pacific and what she hopes to bring to the new role.

What was special about your time at Pacific?

When I got my Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction at Pacific, that was the first time I really started to think critically about what it means to learn as an adult, and also to teach adults and to build capacity of educators. I think prior to that, I was really focused on students and how to create conditions for them to learn and be successful.

How did Pacific empower you to get an education?

I don't think I was the typical student. I was in my early 30s. I was working full time. I was also in school full time. I also had two children, my husband was in school full time, and he had two jobs, so we were just constantly juggling life.

I couldn't just pick up and relocate to Southern California or New York. I think a lot of families in the Central Valley are in that situation where they want to continue their education, and proximity to home is a real thing, because they're balancing so many different other responsibilities. The Pacific program was structured for working professionals, and that allowed me to continue my education again while I was working.

What challenges have you faced?

There are moments where I'm sitting and I'm thinking, “is this really happening?” I believe that reaction is coming from a very specific place. My experience has been that identity really matters, and being a woman and a woman of color has not always been easy.

What keeps you going even when it’s not easy?

When it comes to education, I have always wanted to model for my kids—my own children—what it means to grow and learn and be curious. Being committed to learning has always been important to me, and modeling that for them has been a priority, so that always kept me motivated to just keep going.

What do you hope to bring to the superintendent role?

As I think about the transition into the superintendency, I thrive in high stress environments and really dealing with challenging, sort of complex problems that require potentially messy and creative solutions. It's not just about ensuring that students are getting an education. It's about building partnerships, partnering with families to understand how we can best serve their children and working with industry partners to understand what we need to do to prepare students—not just for their career—but for being responsible, productive and positive citizens.

I love education. I love talking about education. I can't imagine myself doing something different. When I'm in spaces with students, I feel like I come alive. I am meant to be in Modesto City Schools, and this is where I want to be. This is what I want to be doing.

Learn about Benerd’s master’s and doctoral programs in leadership and education.