By Julia Woock
Cuesta College Vice President Dr. Mark Sanchez, a former Southwestern College student from Barrio Logan, was chosen by the governing board as the next superintendent/president. He is expected to take over at a yet-to-be-determined date during the spring semester.
Board President Leticia Cazares said in a statement that Sanchez was selected from three finalists “after a national search and thoughtful deliberation.”
“With housing and food insecurity, online learning challenges and racial inequities adding to the impact of COVID-19 on our South County community, we know Dr. Sanchez is the right leader to advance our work to create a culture and educational system where all students and employees have the opportunity and support they need to succeed and thrive,” she said. “He has the right combination of experience, passion, and commitment to advancing our shared vision of being a leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.”
SC President Dr. Kindred Murillo announced earlier this semester that she would retire June 30, 2021, but recent messages from the governing board indicate she might step down in March.
Sanchez said coming home was “a surreal experience.” He can relate to today’s students, he said, because he faced similar struggles like balancing work, academics and extracurriculars. Sanchez said he looks to support students however possible and remove barriers hindering their educational goals.
“All of that philosophy really started from my experience as a student at Southwestern College,” he said. “It has been an amazing journey to have started at Southwestern and to have been in leadership positions throughout the state of California. Now to be coming home is truly a dream come true.”
Sanchez said Barrio Logan has a rich and profound history, but growing up there during the 1970s and 1980s was a time of turmoil for the community due to gang violence.
“I had a loving family and a lot of support systems, but the community was going through some tough transitions,” he said. “I was always surrounded by a community of care and people who were interested in my future.”
Sanchez said the pandemic is challenging the way colleges serve students.
“Certainly you have technology gaps,” he said. “You can provide technology to students, but the other piece I have seen very closely is teaching how to teach students to use the technology.”
Other issues of concern, Sanchez said, are ensuring students have access to adequate Internet and addressing stressors they face in an online learning environment. College leaders must work to engage students and give them the support they need to succeed in an online learning environment, he said.
Sanchez said his best memories of SC involved the quality of instruction and level of commitment from SC faculty and staff.
“They were going to do whatever it took to help you be successful,” he said.
Sanchez said he will bring his leadership experience and strong commitment to community colleges. He said he looks forward to “working with the amazing staff, faculty, managers and students.”
“My strength and my goal will be to bring those together as they relate to moving the institution forward and continuing the great work that has been done historically at Southwestern College,” he said. “I truly do understand the depth and scope that is required in the superintendent-president position of Southwestern College. I am going to work hard to meet those expectations.”
