By Jessi Savino

Jose Amaya, the new director of the Latino/a Student Cultural Center, settled into his office at Northeastern Nov. 27. He is filling the position left vacant last year when Elena Quiroz, the center’s director of four years, resigned.

Amaya said he came to Northeastern largely because he was “very impressed by the level of commitment the university has to Latino and Latina students,” and the fact that the center has its own building.

“It bodes well for the future when you have such a dedicated group of students,” he said. “The students associated with the center are very creative and talented and know how to plan attractive and successful events.”

Director is a new title for Amaya, who was previously an assistant professor of English and U.S. Latino studies for eight years at Iowa State University, and, most recently, diversity consultant at American College Testing.

Amaya’s duties as director will be managing student affairs, working with other aspects of the university to identify needs among Latino students and improving alumni relations.

Ed Klotzbier, vice president for student affairs, said it’s a “real pleasure to get someone of [Amaya’s] caliber.” He said he believes Amaya has the “right mix of enthusiasm and ability,” and is “an excellent fit for this position.”

In this new role, Amaya said he hopes to increase the visibility of the LSCC and “make the center somewhere where the majority of students would want to visit and come to engage in activities that complement their educational experience.” And Amaya is glad for the opportunity to try new methods of outreach, he said.

“I want to make the center a place where students of all backgrounds can come to learn about Latino culture and history