Scheduled for Monday, Dec. 14, 4:30 p.m.

(SANTA ANA, Calif.) - The Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) is proud to announce and welcome the installation of three new members to its Board of Trustees, as well as the re-election of one of its incumbent Trustees, all of which will be sworn in and appointed to their positions at the next virtual, public meeting December 14. Starting at 4:30 p.m., all newly elected Trustees will begin a four-year term that extends through 2024.

New board members, Dr. Tina Arias Miller a college administrator, David Crockett a healthcare professional, and Sal Tinajero a speech and debate educator, were all elected to the RSCCD Board of Trustees during the general election on November 3, 2020. Zeke Hernandez, who ran unopposed, was re-elected to his seat and continues to represent Area 1. Tinajero will represent Area 3, Crockett represents Area 5, and Arias Miller will represent Area 7 for the college district.

Dr. Arias Miller has worked in both private and public institutions for 20 years. She served as a director of career services and as president, for seven years, of Westwood College. Prior to being hired as a Special Project Director with North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) where she is currently employed, she had a part-time position as a Student Life coordinator at Santa Ana College. Dr. Arias Miller earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California Polytechnic University of California, Pomona. She is an active member of the Community College League of California, California Community College Association of Occupational Education, and California Coalition of Early and Middle Colleges.

“It is such an honor to be elected and representing my community that is served by Rancho Santiago Community College District,” said Dr. Arias Miller. “My goal as an educator has always been to help students reach their potential and, as a Trustee for RSCCD, I will advocate for full access of programs and services to all who reach out to this educational institution.”

Dr. Tina Arias Miller, serving Area 7 for RSCCD Board of Trustees.

Trustee-elect Crockett has served as an intermediary between healthcare providers, regulatory agencies and insurance companies. He attended Southern West Virginia Community College and earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from West Virginia University. He currently works as a Network Performance Advisor for WellCare where he conducts bi-monthly meetings for the Independent Physicians Association and Joint Operating Meetings for the Management Services Operation.

Crockett is a staunch advocate for community colleges. “I personally benefitted from the affordable and quality education community colleges provide,” said Trustee-elect Crockett. “My goal is to provide excellent communication and services to the students at Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College, ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities.”

Representing Area 5 for RSCCD of Trustees is David Crockett.

 For the last 25 years, Tinajero has held various roles in Orange County that range from instructor at Fullerton Union High School, to Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Board Member, to Mayor Pro Tem of Santa Ana’s City Council. He has been recognized on multiple occasions for his efforts to serve the community, including being named the 2005 National Hispanic Teacher of the Year, the California Golden Bell recipient in 2009 and 2015, and the California Teacher of the Year in 2018. Tinajero currently serves as a Communication Program Specialist for SAUSD where he started the awarded-winning Speech and Debate program in 2016. Under his leadership, students in the program have claimed three national titles.

“As a member of the RSCCD Board of Trustees, my goal is to assure affordable tuition is provided to everyone seeking a college education,” said Trustee-elect Tinajero. “I will strive to create paths toward sustainable employment by cultivating and collaborating with businesses in Orange County.”

Tinajero earned his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Bradley University, and a Master of Arts in Cross Cultural Education from National University.

Trustee-elect Sal Tinajero will serve and represent Area 3 for the RSCCD community. 

 ​Vice President of the Board Phillip Yarbrough said he and his fellow Trustees are enthusiastic by the election of Arias Miller, Crockett and Tinajero, and the reelection of Hernandez.

“We’re pleased to welcome and appoint these new Trustees whose range of perspectives and wealth of experience align with RSCCD’s mission of providing quality programs and services that impact our workforce and economy,” Yarbrough said. “The Board has significant work to plan and execute ahead of this year and I know our new colleagues are up to the task to move forward and preserve the resilient and strong efforts that we have achieved. We all look forward to the collaboration.”

Trustee Hernandez was re-elected and will be serving a second, four-year term. He has a paralegal certificate from the Orange County Paralegal Institute and has dedicated his life to public, civic and educational volunteer causes. He participates in Santa Ana College’s Santa Ana Partnership Committee and volunteers as Board President for Achievement Institute for Scientific Studies (AISS), which prepares high school students for college studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

“The current Board has built momentum toward addressing many shifts caused by the pandemic this year,” said Trustee Hernandez. “While we have more to do, I have no doubt that this new team of Trustees will rise to the challenge and strengthen our efforts.”

Hernandez strongly supports educational construction projects and has served on several campaign committees. He assisted with two of RSCCD’s bond measures (E and Q), two bond proposals for SAUSD, and construction two bond measures for Anaheim school districts.

“The RSCCD community is fortunate to have these distinguished individuals join the Board to represent their best interests at each of our Colleges,” stated Chancellor Marvin Martinez. “They have demonstrated their dedication to their communities and understand that the pursuit of quality education is deserved by all. They will undoubtedly help make significant contributions that support the future of our students and help advance our workforce.”

The Board of Trustees has full legal authority and responsibility to enact decisions for the college district. It derives its powers from the Constitution of the State of California and the acts of the Legislature. Trustees generally meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month during the academic year, with exceptions made when a holiday falls on a Board meeting date.

Pursuant to Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, members of the RSCCD Board of Trustees, staff, and the public will participate in the December 14, 2020, meeting via a teleconference and, as of this posting, allowing only limited in-person attendance. Those attending the meeting in-person will have their temperature taken upon arrival, MUST wear a face covering, and maintain a physical distance of 6 feet from persons who are not members of the same household when inside the meeting. To join by teleconference, call (669) 900-6833, 560964295# or use link: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/560964295.

For more information, please e-mail Maria Madrigal, executive assistant to the board of trustees, at Madrigal_Maria@rsccd.edu or leave a message at (714) 480-7452.

For more information about the Board of Trustees, please visit www.rsccd.edu/Trustees. Updates to these webpages and election of new officers will be posted after the meeting tonight.

About Rancho Santiago Community College District
Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College are public community colleges of the Rancho Santiago Community College District, which serves the residents of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Santa Ana, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, and Tustin. Both colleges provide education for academic transfer and careers, courses for personal and professional development, and customized training for business and industry.

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