Hero Scholar: Richard Villacarlos

Richard Villacarlos is a Nursing Scholar supported by Roseman University Trustee Annette Logan-Parker. As an ambitious student from Los Angeles, California, he embarked on his undergraduate journey at UCLA where the demands of rigorous courses and newfound independence prompted him to explore the world of student-initiated volunteer programs, such as the UCLA Student-Initiated Outreach Center (SIOC). There he devoted 15 hours a week as a tutor and mentor to high school students, with a goal to improve access to higher education for at-risk communities. Through SIOC, Richard honed leadership skills, learning to facilitate meetings, develop peers, and orchestrate impactful programs. Later, Richard extended his passion to Kaiser Permanente’s Oncology Department, leading a transformative weekly yoga class for stomach cancer patients. With over a decade of experience as a yoga instructor, Richard guides individuals toward physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. His commitment to his students’ growth mirrors his dedication to his own health and spiritual development, setting an example of living the principles he teaches. Richard is now pursuing a career in nursing to help others. He is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the South Jordan campus.