SANTA ANA, Calif. — Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) Chancellor Marvin Martinez has announced his decision to retire, effective Friday, October 16, 2026, concluding more than seven years of service as the District's chief executive.
Martinez was selected by the RSCCD Board of Trustees following a national search in 2019 and became the District's seventh full-time chancellor on July 1 of that year, succeeding retiring Chancellor Raúl Rodríguez. He brought more than three decades of experience in California community college education to the position.
During Martinez's tenure, RSCCD experienced significant enrollment growth, expanded workforce education opportunities and completed major campus improvements. The District recorded four consecutive years of enrollment growth, with combined credit and noncredit full-time equivalent students increasing approximately 26% since 2021-22. In 2025-26, RSCCD ranked second among California community college districts in growth revenue, generating approximately $8.45 million in additional funding.
Santiago Canyon College also strengthened its position as a statewide leader in apprenticeship education, operating the second-largest apprenticeship program among California's 116 community colleges. At Santa Ana College, major Measure Q bond-funded improvements included the Science Center and Johnson Student Center, expanding instructional facilities and student services.
Vice Chancellor Iris Ingram will continue serving as Acting Chancellor while the RSCCD Board of Trustees determines next steps for District leadership.
Contact:
Eugene W. Fields
Interim Chief Communications Officer
Rancho Santiago Community College District
714.628.5936 (o); 714.717.5015 (m)
fields_eugene@rsccd.edu
About Rancho Santiago Community College District
Rancho Santiago Community College District is one of California’s largest community college districts and includes Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College. RSCCD provides credit and noncredit education, transfer pathways, career education and workforce training to students throughout its communities.