SBVC Latino faculty, staff, students welcome new president

Faculty, staff, and students welcomed new San Bernardino Valley College President Diana Rodriguez during a luncheon at the campus on July 28.

Many of the administration in attendance spoke of Rodriguez’s anticipated return to Valley College.

“We’re all looking forward to working with her,” said Dean of Counseling and Matriculation Marco Cota said to the 30 or so people in attendance. “We welcome her back.”

Rodriguez previously served as a tenured faculty member of the counseling department at Valley College, before receiving a teaching post at Palo Verde. She eventually became Vice President of Student Services at Las Positas College.

On July 1 Rodriguez replaced former president Gloria Fisher, who announced her retirement last November. She said she was pleased to see the warm support from both the district and the campus.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” Rodriguez said. “It definitely feels like a homecoming.”

Rodriguez explained among her top priorities is focusing on improving the college’s completion and transfer rates.

“My vision and goals are the same as yours,” she said. “Everyone of us has a leadership role. Each of us here are touching students and making a difference in their lives.”

Art student Luis Rodriguez, 32, said he was impressed by Rodriguez’s commitment to improving the campus. “I think it’s great she’s speaking about change. Let’s see what she can do for us. We need more faculty and staff to put forth more effort.”

Crafton Hills College also brought in a new president to replace Cheryl Marshall, who accepted the Chancellor’s position for the North Orange County Community College District in February. Wei Zhou, the former vice president of instruction at San Diego’s Cuyamaca College replaced her in July.

The event was organized by the San Bernardino Community College District’s Latino Faculty Staff and Administrators’ Association (LFSAA).