Edward L Abeyta PH.D.

Bio

Edward Abeyta, Ph.D., is Associate Dean at the University of California (UC) San Diego Division of Extended Studies, where he provides academic and administrative leadership across a broad portfolio that includes Education and Community Outreach, Pre-College, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, UCTV, and UC San Diego’s community-facing arts and cultural programs. His work centers on expanding educational access, strengthening university–community partnerships, and advancing innovative models of lifelong and life-wide learning.

Abeyta’s scholarship and professional practice explore the intersection of continuing education, workforce development, and social mobility. He is the author of "Reinventing Lifelong Learning: The Coming Renaissance of Continuing Education and Community Outreach," which examines the evolving role of universities in preparing individuals and communities for a rapidly changing economic and civic landscape. His writing emphasizes the need for responsive, inclusive, and future-focused educational systems that support learners across the lifespan.

During his tenure at UC San Diego, Abeyta has been instrumental in designing and scaling programs that foster college readiness, career technical education, adult and encore learning, and high-impact community engagement. He collaborates closely with faculty, campus leadership, regional school districts, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners to advance research-informed initiatives that bridge gaps in educational opportunity and extend the university’s public mission.

Abeyta holds a Ph.D. in Education and is recognized for his commitment to evidence-based practice, institutional stewardship, and transformational leadership. His ongoing efforts strengthen UC San Diego’s role as a catalyst for educational innovation, civic engagement, and lifelong learning throughout the San Diego region and beyond.