Metropolitan Community College’s Penn Valley campus names Dr. Tammy Robinson as President

A new president has been named for Metropolitan Community College’s Penn Valley campus. Tammy Robinson, who’s joining MCC from Mesa Community College in Arizona, served as president there since 2022. Mesa is the largest of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District.

Robinson is expected to start at MCC-Penn Valley, in midtown Kansas City, in early July.

Tyjaun A. Lee, Penn Valley’s president from 2017-2023, is currently MCC’s interim vice chancellor for administrative services. In 2023-24, Larry Rideaux Jr., the MCC-Maple Woods president, served as acting president for Penn Valley.

Robinson will bring to Metropolitan Community College more than 25 years’ experience as a community college administrator and instructor.

“Beginning her career as an English faculty member, Dr. Robinson has demonstrated experience and success in developing and enhancing transfer and workforce programs — the perfect academic skill set for the next leader of the Penn Valley campus,” MCC Chancellor Kimberly Beatty wrote in an announcement to employees.

The Penn Valley campus includes two workforce-focused facilities: the Health Science Institute and the Advanced Technical Skills Institute.

Robinson says she is “thrilled to embark on a new journey as the president of MCC-Penn Valley,” adding that her family has deep roots in the Kansas City area.

“I am dedicated to enhancing the educational landscape by ensuring that all students have the resources they need to excel and prosper,” Robinson says. “My commitment to the community college ethos — enhancing accessibility and empowering students — is a driving force in my leadership approach.”

Robinson’s accomplishments at Mesa Community College include launching bachelor’s degree programs in data analytics/computer programming and early childhood education/dual languages. She also pioneered the Mesa College Promise program, facilitating greater access to higher education by awarding students full tuition and iPads with support services.

Robinson’s experience also includes serving as vice president of instruction at Cañada College in Redwood City, California (2018-22); dean of global learning programs and services and dean of social science and creative arts at Skyline College in San Bruno, California (2015-18); and interim vice president of academic services and chief instructional officer at Lassen Community College in Susanville, California (2013-15).

She served as chair for the English/ESL department at Los Angeles City College (1996-2013) and as an English instructor at California State University, Dominguez Hills (1996-98).

Robinson holds an Ed.D. in education with an emphasis in community college administration from the University of Southern California; an M.A. in English from California State University, Dominguez Hills; a B.A. in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles; and an A.A. in social science from Cerritos College in Norwalk, California.

Robinson is a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission for the American Association of Community Colleges. She also served as president of the National Council on Black American Affairs, an affiliate of the AACC. She has spoken at numerous conferences about the importance of educational access for underrepresented groups. She recently co-presented at Harvard University on the topic of “Surviving and Thriving as a Woman in a Multi-College System.”

College of San Mateo names Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez as President

Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez Named President of College of San Mateo

College’s first queer-identified and Latino president brings passion for equity and student success.

Following a national search, San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Chancellor Melissa Moreno has announced that she will recommend Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez to the Board of Trustees as the next president of College of San Mateo (CSM). The Board of Trustees will take formal action on Dr. Pérez’s appointment at their meeting on May 22, 2024.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Pérez to College of San Mateo,” said Chancellor Moreno. “He is a passionate leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to underserved student communities with innovative programs to provide equitable and inclusive student experiences that engender their success. We are confident he will lead CSM to new heights of excellence and innovation using an uncompromised collaborative and collegial approach.”

Dr. Pérez brings 20 years of professional experience in higher education, from his doctoral work in education to his teaching work in social justice, international and multicultural studies, and the performing arts, to developing a career in the community college system, and now currently serving as the Vice President of Student Services at Cañada College.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the next president of College of San Mateo,” said Dr. Pérez. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance the mission and vision of this transformative institution. I am committed to fostering a culture of care, belonging, and excellence that supports the success and well-being of all our students, especially our historically marginalized and underserved communities.”

Before joining SMCCCD, Dr. Pérez served as Interim Assistant Vice President for Equity & Community Inclusion at San Francisco State University. Before that, he served as the Dean of Student Development and Dean of Equity Programs & Pathways for American River College (ARC).

Dr. Pérez holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in ethnic studies from Santa Clara University, a master’s degree in communication studies from San Diego State University, and a doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco, where he also teaches courses as part-time faculty.

Dr. Pérez will start his new position on July 1, 2024. His selection is subject to the approval of a written contract, whose terms will be available for public review before the May 22 board meeting.

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