Dr. Ríos has received a number of recognitions at the local, state, national and international levels.

• Recipient of the Hausam-Fisk Award for Excellence in the study of higher education, awarded by Claremont Graduate University.
• Special Honor: The “Ana María Gallaga” award, given to selected persons of Mexican origin who have demonstrated excellence in their fields and have contributed to improving the status of Latinos in the U.S.