UL Lafayette Dean Dr. Margarita Perez Dies in Lafayette After a Long Illness, Leaving Behind Her Wife Stephanie Galendez
Friends and loved ones remember her warmth, courage, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
October 24, 2026
This article was last updated by aditibhatta on October 24, 2026
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Dr. Margarita Perez, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, who passed away on October 23 following a long illness. She was 50 years old.
Her death has left a profound void in the lives of students, colleagues, and friends who admired her unwavering dedication and kindness.
For more than 25 years, Dr. Perez dedicated her life to higher education and student advocacy, spending the last decade of her career at UL Lafayette, where she became a pillar of leadership and care.
Her colleagues remember her as a compassionate leader who served with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to student well-being.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Perez shaped the lives of thousands of students through her work in student affairs.
Her leadership reached every corner of campus life — from student engagement and support programs to mentorship and personal guidance.
She was known for celebrating the achievements of others and finding joy in helping students and staff succeed.
Dr. Perez’s contributions earned her several honors, including the Dan Seymour Award, the highest recognition from the Louisiana Association of College & University Student Personnel Administrators, for her lifetime of student advocacy.
She was also a recipient of the University of Louisiana System Outstanding Staff Award for her exceptional service and commitment to higher education.
Even as she battled a long illness, Dr. Perez continued to inspire those around her with her courage and compassion.
She encouraged others to prioritize their health and seek preventive care, turning her own challenges into a message of hope.
Her strength and openness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A proud native of New Orleans, Dr. Perez graduated from Mount Carmel Academy before earning her bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Loyola University and her master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of New Orleans.
She later achieved her doctoral degree in educational leadership from UL Lafayette, the very institution where she made such a powerful impact.
To her colleagues and students, Dr. Perez was more than a leader — she was a mentor, advocate, and friend.
She believed in the transformative power of education and drew energy from the students she served.
Her warmth, openness, and ability to make everyone feel seen and valued became her defining traits.
Dr. Perez is survived by her wife, Stephanie Galendez, assistant dean in the Graduate School, along with their family and countless friends and students who were touched by her life.
Messages of love and grief have poured in from across the university community, reflecting the deep impact she made.
Linda Adams, a close friend, shared a heartfelt tribute:
“Sleep in pain-free peace my sweet friend, my battle buddy and precious angel. This one cuts deep.”
As Interim President Dr. Jaimie Hebert expressed in his message to the university,
“Margarita helped others find their path. Hers was a life of service. Let us honor her memory by carrying forward that same spirit of care, advocacy, and connection — for our students, for each other, and for the University she loved so deeply.”
Dr. Margarita Perez’s death marks the end of a remarkable life devoted to compassion, education, and community.
Her legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she shaped and the enduring spirit of kindness she brought to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
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