Faculty in Residence: The Spaces Between Lectures

In UCSB’s academically rigorous environment, the boundary between "student life" and "academic life" is often where the most profound growth happens. Residential & Community Living’s Faculty in Residence (FiR) program is designed to occupy that space, transforming our residence halls into hubs of mentorship, curiosity, and holistic student success.

A Legacy of Connection

Established in 2003 at Manzanita Village with inaugural faculty member Professor Apostolos Athanassakis, the FiR program was built on a simple yet powerful premise: embedding faculty within student communities to demystify the academic experience. By living alongside students, these faculty members help bridge the gap between traditional academic settings and everyday campus life, fostering a sense of comfort and confidence and empowering students to engage more deeply with faculty across the entire university.

Meet the 2026 Faculty in Residence

Today, three faculty members serve across our residential communities. While their academic disciplines vary, their goal is singular: to make "the professor" approachable through distinct, personal engagement styles.

Dr. John Park (Asian American Studies) – Santa Catalina: Dr. Park focuses on relational, high-touch engagement. By opening his home for warm, cooked meals, he creates a low-stakes environment where students can discuss life goals, belonging, and the realities of navigating a large research university.

Dr. Amit Ahuja (Political Science) – Manzanita & San Rafael: Dr. Ahuja brings learning to life through shared exploration. Whether it is "TED Talks and Tacos" or excursions to the campus Reef and Butterfly Grove, he uses curiosity and discovery to build rapport, showing students that intellectual engagement can be an informal, everyday activity.

Dr. Juanita Garcia (Chicana/o Studies) – Sierra Madre & San Joaquin: As our newest FiR, Dr. Garcia emphasizes community-centered education. Through "Zócalo Mixers" and intentional collaborations, she centers student voices, inviting residents to help shape the program. This co-creative approach ensures the program remains responsive to what students actually need.

The Impact of Approachable Academia

Belonging and curiosity often grow in the spaces between lectures. When students interact with faculty at a mixer or over dinner, the "pedestal" disappears. This comfort level is a catalyst; a student who feels at ease chatting with an FiR in their slippers is far more likely to visit a different professor’s office hours or seek out a research mentor.

For our professional staff, the FiR program serves as a collaborative resource. These faculty members are partners in our mission to support the whole student, providing a unique layer of support that complements our residential curriculum and strengthens the overall sense of community.

The Path Forward

Looking ahead, Residential & Community Living is excited and hopeful to expand the FiR Program. As the program grows, so does our ability to enrich the student experience, foster meaningful faculty-student relationships, and strengthen the sense of connection at the heart of UCSB’s residential communities.