Santa Ana, CA – At its regular meeting on July 13, 2020, the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) Board of Trustees named Mr. Jose Vargas as Interim President of Santiago Canyon College (SCC).
Mr. Vargas has served as the Vice President of Continuing Education at SCC where he has been responsible for the entire operation of SCC’s Continuing Education Division since 2005. He will step into the role that is being vacated by Dr. John C. Hernandez as he transitions to President of Irvine Valley College.
Serving the district for many years, Vargas has held responsibility for one of the largest community college adult education programs in the state. In this role, he has provided leadership, oversight and support for all functions within the division, including the planning and delivery of free-tuition adult education classes and programs, student support services, enrollment, division facilities, resource development, division budgets, and local and state advocacy on issues related to adult education. Prior to his current role, Vargas was Dean of Instruction and Student Services at SCC.
In total, Vargas has more than 27 years serving in education, five years as an instructor and 22 years in administration. He has served as an administrator for the Los Angeles Unified School District in various roles, including Principal and Assistant Principal at Pacoima Skills Center and as an Industrial Education Coordinator at Abram Friedman Occupational Center. Prior to becoming an educator, Vargas served on active duty in the United States Army and held various jobs in private industry. “I have a first-hand understanding of the diversity of community college students,” said Vargas. “As a Mexican immigrant and a first-generation college graduate, I am very well aware of the obstacles faced by our students and am sensitive and respectful of their varying backgrounds and preferences, and I am fortunate to be in a position where I can help and find it a privilege to give back to the community whenever possible.”
“Mr. Vargas is an exceptional educational leader with over 27 years of experience as both a faculty member and academic administrator, serving under-represented, under-served, high-risk populations,” said RSCCD Chancellor Marvin Martinez “He demonstrates the sensitivity and cultural awareness needed to effectively serve our ethnically rich and economically diverse community.”
Vargas earned a master of arts degree in educational administration and a bachelor of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in computer information systems from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He also holds an associate in arts degree in liberal arts from East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, and an associate of applied sciences degree in electronics engineering technology from ITT Technical Institute, West Covina.
Mr. Vargas will assume his new role on July 14, 2020.
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.
###
