Dr. Brianna Villa

Brianna Villa oversees institutional partnerships, campus operations, and student engagement strategies at the University of Arizona Yuma. In this role, she focuses on expanding access to higher education in Yuma by strengthening collaboration with community colleges, regional employers, and government agencies. Her vision centers on growing the campus as a dynamic center for innovation, workforce readiness, and equitable educational opportunity.

Brianna holds a Ph.D. in General Psychology, with dissertation research that explored how rural community dynamics in Yuma influence residents’ ability to pursue and complete higher education. She brings a strong background in academic program administration, strategic enrollment, and continuing education. Before joining the University of Arizona, she led national university partnerships at Pearson Online Learning Services supporting universities across the country to expand their online program offerings by leading cross functional teams that performed marketing, recruitment, student support, and curriculum development. Following this, she developed a continuing medical education department at Onvida Health for physician’s graduate education and continuing education. 

In Fall 2025, Brianna will also begin teaching Psychology and Family Studies at Arizona Western College, the University of Arizona Yuma’s largest partner institution in the region. A Yuma native, Brianna is passionate about contributing to the educational and economic advancement of her hometown. She brings a data-informed, community-centered approach to her work and draws inspiration from local culture, psychology, and social equity. Outside of work, she enjoys international travel, Lagree fitness, and spending quality time with her parents and siblings. On weekends, she supports her family’s restaurant and other creative service projects that celebrate local identity and connection.