Dr. Sandoval has worked for decades in positions supporting Hispanic issues, including stints in higher education, academic research, and policy development for various government entities and foundations. He is also a published author with expertise in Hispanic voter behaviors.
He received an MA and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Washington, and a BA in Physics and Math from New Mexico State University.
He has held leadership positions in several organizations including Executive Director of the Reynaldo I. Martinez Institute for Research and Leadership, a think tank exploring Hispanic Issues. He was Director of the New Mexico Hispanic Leadership Development Program in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Executive Director of The Colorado Institute for Hispanic Educational and Economic Development, and Executive Director of Latin American Research and Service.
Dr. Sandoval and Dr. Peterson (Altera Executive Director) were students and colleagues together in the Political Science Department of the University of Washington. Dr. Sandoval brought Peterson to a position in InterAmerica, an HEW-funded research project where he was Executive Director, to perform an evaluation of the availability and access to human resource programs for migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the Yakima Valley in Washington State. Their work together in the early 1970’s presaged the work that Altera is currently doing in these same environs to promote social equity through education. He has served on the Board of Altera for more than 15 years.
Dr. Sandoval has held professorial teaching and research positions at various universities including the University of Santa Clara in California. He also holds many Hispanic Leadership Awards including a Ford Foundation Research Award.