On October 1, the Oregon State Senate approved the appointment of Dr. Gerard Sandoval and Taliek Lopez-DuBoff to the University of Oregon Board of Trustees. Nominated by Governor Tina Kotek, they will serve as the faculty trustee and one of two undergraduate student trustees, respectively.
Dr. Gerard Francisco Sandoval is a Professor of Planning, Public Policy, and Management at the University of Oregon. He has been teaching and conducting research at the university since 2010. His scholarly research focuses on the intersection of city planning, immigration, and sustainable neighborhood revitalization. Dr. Sandoval is recognized internationally for his scholarship and has received awards for Best Dissertation, Best Article, and Best Book from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning. He serves on the editorial boards of three leading academic research journals: the American Planning Association, the Journal of Planning Education and Research, and the Journal of Planning Literature. In addition to his academic career, Dr. Sandoval has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service in Oregon by serving on two State Governing Boards; the Housing Stability Council for seven years, and the Land Conservation and Development Commission for four years.
Taliek Lopez-DuBoff , who grew up in Beaverton, is a student leader at the University of Oregon, where he studies Planning, Public Policy and Management. He formerly served as Senate President in the Associated Students of the University of Oregon, overseeing the allocation of $10 million in student funds. In addition to his work in student government, Taliek served two terms on the University Senate, and the Campus Planning Committee. In summer 2025, he worked in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Congresswoman, Maxine Dexter, M.D (OR-3).