Dr. Mark Sanchez’s experience includes over twenty years in community college leadership, teaching and instruction, and workforce development. His passion for social justice is demonstrated throughout his career. In his career in California community college leadership, he has been successful in the development and implementation of comprehensive race-conscious-equity-focused instruction, student services, and online programs designed to increase student access and success, student outreach, and student personal development.
At the previous colleges in which he served, Dr. Sanchez worked collectively with his Student Life and Leadership team to bring students from diverse backgrounds together to engage in cross-cultural learning and engagement. Prior to beginning his Presidency at Southwestern College, Dr. Sanchez was the Assistant Superintendent/Vice-President of Student Success and Support Programs at Cuesta College, also served as the Dean of Student Affairs, Counseling at Hartnell College; Dean of Student Services, Counseling at Fresno City College; and Director of Student Support Programs at San Jose Evergreen Valley College. He also teaches university graduate courses online (asynchronous) in the Master of Education Program at Brandman University.
Prior to beginning his profession in postsecondary leadership, Dr. Sanchez worked in developing educational and career programs at the Fresno County Workforce Development Board and career training programs funded by the San Diego Workforce Partnership. Dr. Sanchez is a collaborative leader who works effectively with constituent groups on campus, businesses, and community-based partners.
He is a strong supporter of whole-person development and services that assist college students with the skills they need to complete their educational, career, and personal goals. Among these services are access to counseling, financial aid, academic support, and mental health/wellness coaching for students. Throughout his career, Dr. Sanchez has worked with excellent teams of college faculty, staff, students, and administrators to expand the overall availability of equity-focused programs on college campuses. Additionally, he has experience in fiscal management with both short-term and long-term fiscal planning. Dr. Sanchez is a native of San Diego, CA, and began his college career as a student at Southwestern College.
Upon graduating from Southwestern College with an Associate’s Degree in General Studies, Dr. Sanchez went on to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. Master of Arts in Education Administration with Distinction and Doctorate in Educational Leadership both from California State University, Fresno. Dr. Sanchez knows San Diego and the South Bay well and is proud of his roots growing up in the region.
