Pepperdine GSEP Alumnus Emmanuel Aguiar Named 2026 Distinguished Faculty of the Year at El Camino College
Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) proudly celebrates alumnus Emmanuel Aguiar (MAEd ’08) on being named 2026 Distinguished Faculty of the Year at El Camino College, recognizing his exceptional dedication to student success, inclusive teaching practices, and service to the campus community.
Aguiar, who earned a Master of Arts in Education with a Single Subject Credential (Social Science) from Pepperdine GSEP in 2008, is a part-time faculty member in El Camino College’s Human Development Department. He was selected for the prestigious honor for his commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences that empower students both inside and outside the classroom. According to El Camino College, he is known for integrating equity principles into his curriculum, connecting students with campus resources, fostering supportive learning environments, and serving on the Behavioral and Social Sciences Division Council.
The annual recognition honors faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, service, and a steadfast commitment to student success.
For Aguiar, the recognition is rooted in the educational philosophy he developed at Pepperdine GSEP, where he learned to prioritize intentional community, trauma-informed care, and student-centered teaching.
“The foundations I gained at Pepperdine in lesson planning, curriculum development, student support, trauma-informed care, and building intentional community continue to shape both my teaching pedagogy and counseling practice,” Aguiar said. “Those experiences have helped me build psychological safety and validation for the diverse community college students I serve every day.”
Aguiar credits Pepperdine’s faculty with providing the professional foundation that continues to guide his work as an educator and counselor, emphasizing that the University’s focus on intentional community and student-centered learning has had a lasting influence on his career.
In addition to receiving the Distinguished Faculty of the Year recognition, Aguiar will begin pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne this August with a concentration in community college leadership. His continued pursuit of advanced study reflects his commitment to strengthening leadership within California’s community college system and expanding educational opportunities for future generations.
As Aguiar continues his leadership journey, his accomplishments reflect the transformative impact of educators who are committed to fostering belonging, supporting student success, and empowering future generations. Pepperdine GSEP congratulates Emmanuel Aguiar on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to the continued impact of his leadership in higher education.