Provides educational, cultural and social support for American Indian students
Our Dedicated Staff
Not many universities have a staff dedicated to American Indian students, but UCR does. UCR respects all identities, cultures, and backgrounds, and provides the people and resources to help you succeed. We are here for you, and welcome you as part of our UCR family. Stop by 229 Costo Hall to say hi.
Joshua Gonzales (Xictlaka/Mexika), M.B.A., Director
Preferred pronouns: He/Him
Email: joshuag@ucr.edu
Josh earned a B.S. in Business Administration from UCR in 2004, and an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix in 2007. He began working at UCR in 2005 as a program assistant, and started his duties as director of Native American Student Programs in 2009. He is also the current chair and member of the University of California American Indian Counselor Recruiter Association. Josh enjoys cultural ceremonies and gatherings, running, sports, and learning from others. He is particularly interested in learning more about his Native language. He lives in Riverside with his wife, son, daughter, and 2 Australian Shepherd dogs.
Brenda Batt, Administrative Assistant
Preferred pronouns: She/Her
Email: brendab@ucr.edu
Brenda started working at UCR in January 1999. She is the administrative assistant for NASP and for Asian Pacific Student Programs, and is also a volunteer for the UCR Staff Assembly. She is mother of two wonderful young men and various furry creatures. In her spare time she enjoys golf, cooking, and reading.
Rachell Enriquez (Tohono O'odham), Program Coordinator
Preferred pronouns: She/Her
Email: rachelle@ucr.edu
Rachell Enriquez has worked in multiple departments over her years on campus. Her passion for seeing student’s success began as an undergraduate. Her fondest memories as an undergraduate were volunteering for the Ethnic & Gender Cultural Centers, Native American Student Programs, and Chicano Student Programs. These cultural centers provided her with resources and tools needed to embrace herself, her values, and inspired her to continue practicing native ways and learn more about her Tohono O’odham heritage. She dreamt of someday being given the opportunity to work for a campus cultural program where she could pay it forward. Rachell’s commitment of dedication to student’s success was earned. Rachell recently joined Native American Student Programs as Program Coordinator. When not working, Rachell enjoys attending cultural events, spending time with her family, raising a college student, reading, singing, dancing, cooking, and definitely eating.
