Rebeca Richards

Website

Office of Provost

Areas of Responsibility

Provides oversight to the Integrated Academic Planning unit and serves as Chief of Operations for Academic Affairs.  

Departments:  

• Integrated Academic Planning
• Executive Finance Business Center
  • Academic Affairs
  • University Relations
• Student Success and Well-Being Finance Business Center  

Biography

Rebeca Barrios Richards is a higher education leader known for her strategic vision, collaborative spirit and deep expertise in academic planning and resource management. In her role at the University of Central Florida, she guides institution-wide efforts to align academic priorities with operational execution, fostering environments where innovation and student success thrive.

With a background in accounting and nearly two decades of experience in university finance and administration, Rebeca brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and empathetic leadership to her work. She partners closely with academic and administrative leaders to shape integrated planning models that support sustainable growth, responsive staffing and meaningful program development.

Rebeca’s leadership is grounded in adaptability, strategic thinking and a genuine dedication to the mission of higher education. She is passionate about building systems that empower people — whether through mentoring emerging leaders, streamlining operations or championing data-informed decision making. Her career reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and a belief in the power of collaboration to drive institutional excellence.

Rebeca holds both a bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting and a master’s in accounting from the University of Central Florida.