The story of Dr. Cristina González Alcalá ‘10, ‘12, ‘20 begins far from the city of Akron, in the vibrant landscape of Durango, Mexico. Born and raised in Durango, González Alcalá’s journey to the United States was fueled by her passion for golf and education. As a young girl, she recognized athletics as a pathway to higher education and earned a golf scholarship to the University of Louisville in Kentucky. There, she excelled both on the green and in the classroom, culminating in a senior year that saw her team ranked 27th in the nation — a testament to her dedication and love for the game.
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However, González Alcalá’s story extends far beyond her achievements on the golf course. After completing her undergraduate studies, she was offered a graduate assistant coach position at The University of Akron (UA) in 2008. This marked the beginning of her deep and ongoing connection with the University.
Upon joining UA, González Alcalá not only contributed to UA’s inaugural women’s golf team, but also discovered her talent for research and statistics. She made the leap from athletics to academia, becoming a research assistant at the Institute for Health and Social Policy. Here, she worked on program evaluations for early childhood and oral health initiatives, furthering her commitment to public service and research.
González Alcalá’s academic journey at UA was marked by curiosity and a drive to expand her knowledge. She pursued and completed a Master of Public Administration in 2010, followed by a Master of Arts in Communication in 2012. Not content with just two degrees, she continued her studies and earned a doctorate in Urban Studies and Public Affairs with a specialization in communications in May 2020.
While earning her degrees, she took on roles that allowed her to influence the direction of the University, such as serving as president of the Public Administration and Urban Studies Students Association and the Graduate Committee for Research on Women. Her advocacy was driven by a desire to see the University excel, with academic excellence and vibrant student life at the forefront.
As a part-time senior lecturer at UA, González Alcalá now plays an active role in shaping the future of education at the University. She teaches courses that emphasize the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, preparing students for professional success beyond the classroom.
Her story is not just one of personal achievement, but also a reflection of the evolving landscape of education at UA.
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“One thing that remains true for me is that UA has been a transformative space,” reflected González Alcalá. “The real transformation began when I started as a graduate assistant coach and evolved into a professional. Now, I find myself asking, ‘What else can I achieve?’ I realize that I’m not limited to just one version of my best self; there are many versions I can become. The question
is, which one do I want to pursue? I was able to reach this point thanks to the support of my professors at UA and my determination to earn three degrees from the University. UA provided me with the tools and the space to grow into the best version of myself.”
Through her work as a director of community investment at Akron Community Foundation, as well as an educator and as vice president of the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Advisory Council, González Alcalá continues to contribute to the evolution of learning at UA, ensuring that future generations of students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Story by Bree Sabin