Zoila Ganuza Hoaglund named director of TRIO Upward Bound (UB) Program

CEHD is pleased to announce that Dr. Zoila Ganuza Hoaglund has accepted the director position of its TRIO Upward Bound (UB) Program.

With a background as a school psychologist, Zoila brings a unique set of skills to this position both in her ability to engage students and families and her experiences navigating complex systems, federal grants, and state and district budgets. Her own lived experience as a first-generation McNair scholar and U of M alum further enriches her understanding and commitment to UB and CEHD. 
“I am so excited to welcome her back to our college,” said Assistant Dean for Education Opportunity Programs and Robert Beck Chair of Ideas in Education Rashné Jehangir. “I also am grateful to our search committee and to Anthony Albecker for being such a steady force as interim UB director.”

TRIO UB is a pre-college federal grant program. It offers year-round, intensive, and holistic college readiness skill building for high school youth who come from low-income backgrounds and who are potential first-generation college students. The U of M has served Minneapolis high school students and families through TRIO UB since 1966.

As director, Zoila has direct oversight and responsibility for all TRIO UB design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of program services and operations. She will guide her team of professionals with emotional intelligence and integrity; be a collaborator with CEHD’s other TRIO programs, Student Support Services and McNair Scholars; and serve as an ambassador for educational opportunity programs locally, regionally, and nationally.

Zoila was born in El Salvador and moved to Minnesota at age three. Attending a college-preparatory high school on scholarship was pivotal in navigating her academic journey. Zoila's academic path led her to Beloit College, where she earned a BA in psychology and Spanish, and eventually to the University of Minnesota, where she received a PhD in educational psychology. As a former Beloit McNair Scholar and U of M McNair advisor, Zoila has negotiated similar barriers faced by many students from underrepresented groups, thus valuing the importance of educational equity.

Prior to this, she worked in a Florida school district, which serves approximately 30,000 students across 46 schools that ranged from Title I, rural, high SES, and military populations. Her roles included bilingual school psychologist, English for speakers of other languages coordinator, and most recently, student services district administrator. She oversaw a team of 15 school psychologists and managed programs that included multi-tiered system of supports, school counselor professional development, and supports for teenage parents. After 15 years away from Minnesota as her husband served in the U.S. Army, Zoila has returned home following his retirement.

Zoila's career is built on collaboration, data-based decision-making, and systems-level change, fostering inclusivity and ensuring students have access to high-quality services and instruction. In addition to her district-level work, Zoila has been a board member of the Florida Association of School Psychologists, serving for nearly a decade, providing direction on state educational initiatives and policies.

“Taking on this position brings me full circle. My journey was possible because of TRIO, it significantly changed my trajectory that led me to higher education, and now I am excited to be back, ready to continue the work to positively impact the community where my journey began,” she said.