Dr. Antonio Esquibel is an Emeritus Professor of Spanish and former Vice President of Student Affairs at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where he also served on the Board of Trustees.

A first-generation college graduate and lifelong advocate for equity in education, Dr. Esquibel earned his undergraduate degree cum laude and first in his class from Adams State College, followed by a master’s in Bilingual Education and Educational Administration from New Mexico Highlands University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of New Mexico. He has held leadership roles across Colorado’s academic and nonprofit sectors—from directing the National Teacher Corps Program at CSU Pueblo to leading Denver’s Head Start program through Rocky Mountain SER.

He has taught Latin, Spanish, Chicano Studies, and Health Administration, and served as a researcher for the National Institute of Education. Dr. Esquibel has received numerous honors, including the César Chavez Leadership Award and the statewide Hispanic Annual Salute Award.

A proud Colorado native with deep roots in the region, he has authored several books and remains active in the community through board service, writing, and mentorship—continually driven by his belief in the power of education to transform lives.