President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: Welcome Gil J. Villanueva, Interim Vice President of Admission and Financial Aid
June 1, 2026
Dear Faculty and Staff,
I am pleased to announce that Gil J. Villanueva will serve as Interim Vice President and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid for the 2026–27 academic year.
Gil brings more than three decades of experience in higher education enrollment leadership at selective colleges and universities across the country. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to access, equity, and thoughtful student-centered admission practices—values that resonate strongly with Reed’s mission and community.
Prior to joining Reed, Gil served as Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Rhodes College. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles as Associate Vice President and Dean of Admission at the University of Richmond and Dean of Admission at Brandeis University. He also worked at Bucknell University and Harvey Mudd College. Gil earned his BA in psychology from Pitzer College and his MEd in higher education from Bucknell University.
Gil is widely recognized for his national leadership and service within higher education. He serves as a representative of American higher education for the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools and has contributed extensively to organizations that shape the future of college admission and access. His leadership roles have included serving as board chair of Common App and chair of the College Board Southern Region, as well as participation on the College Board’s Guidance and Admission Assembly Council, the Task Force on Admissions in the 21st Century, and the SAT Suite Committee. He also has served as a faculty advisor for the Leadership in Enrollment Management Certificate program at the University of Southern California’s Center for Enrollment Research, Policy and Practice. In addition, Gil has contributed to the National Association of Secondary School Principals through service on the Higher Education Advisory Committee and the National Honor Society Scholarship Selection Committee. Most recently, he concluded his service on the steering committee for the Small College Consortium.
Gil approaches this work with warmth, integrity, and a strong belief in the transformative power of higher education. We are fortunate to benefit from his experience and leadership during the coming academic year.
Outside of work, Gil says he and his wife, Carolyn, provide parenting services to two college graduates, a spoiled pug, and an entitled bulldog.
Please join me in welcoming Gil to the Reed community.
Sincerely,
Audrey
Audrey Bilger
President
Reed College