Announcing the Associate Vice President for Student Life for Health & Wellbeing

Heather White, Vice President for Student Life

I am pleased to announce Dr. Ernesto Escoto has accepted the position of associate vice president for Student Life and executive director of the Counseling & Wellness Center. 

Dr. Escoto has served as interim assistant vice president and executive director of the Counseling & Wellness Center since Sep. 2023. Prior to that, he served as director and clinical associate professor for UF’s Counseling & Wellness Center. Dr. Escoto earned a Doctor of Philosophy in counseling psychology from New Mexico State University. He also earned a Master of Education in counseling and student services and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, both from California State University, Fresno. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Escoto has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing a culture of wellbeing on college campuses. At UF, he has been integral in expanding the resources, programs, and modalities of health services that support students’ mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. 

In his new role, Dr. Escoto will lead The Division of Student Life’s health and wellbeing initiatives including oversight of the Counseling and Wellness Center, Disability Resource Center, GatorWell Health Promotion Services, and support for Campus Assistance & Resources for Empowerment (CARE).  He will also spearhead Student Life’s efforts to promote health initiatives and partner with the broader university to positively impact student health outcomes.