We are pleased to announce the finalists in its search for the new Evergreen Valley College President.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we hope that you will take time to read about each finalist's experience in education and leadership.
The finalists' bios are listed in order of their scheduled forums.
Good luck to all the finalists.
Dr. Luca E. Lewis
- BIO
Dr. Luca Lewis brings over 20 years of exemplary leadership and innovation experience, spanning various education institutions. Serving currently as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Education and Student Services at West Hills Community College District, in Coalinga, California, Luca is well known for advancing partnerships and maximizing institutional strengths for diverse learners and earners.
Luca previously held pivotal community college leadership roles including Vice President for Student Services at Whatcom Community College, Dean of Student Success and Retention at Edmonds Community College, and Director for High School Programs at Bellevue College. Luca’s teaching career began as a part-time physical education instructor at Washington State University in 1996, a sociology instructor at University of Idaho in 2004, followed by various sociology adjunct faculty positions at multiple Washington State community colleges from 2009 to 2012.
Luca was a contributing author to the highly acclaimed book, Higher Education Administration for Social Justice and Equity: Critical Perspectives for Leadership, by Dr. Adrianna Kezar and Dr. Julie Posselt. Likewise, as a sought-after national expert, Luca carries a distinguished leadership reputation in helping institutions achieve excellence through culturally responsive teaching and learning practices, program growth and development, equity-minded leadership and decision-making, and institutional advancement. He has demonstrated experience and expertise in strengthening institutional and district-wide outcomes for communities with intersecting identities and eliminating barriers to access and success for all students.
Luca holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies, a master’s in interdisciplinary studies, and a doctorate in education/higher education administration from the University of Idaho.
July 9, 2024
9:00-10:00
Dr. Luca E. Lewis
Zoom: https://sjeccd-edu.zoom.us/j/84239247174
Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper
- BIO
Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of community colleges, believing in their ability to change lives one student at a time. She firmly holds that higher education should be accessible to all and that every student can thrive when provided with the right tools and resources. As an equity-minded leader, Dr. Robinson-Cooper is dedicated to empowering the campus community to boldly examine and address the policies and practices that perpetuate inequities, striving to achieve fair and just outcomes for all students.
With a wealth of executive leadership experience, Dr. Robinson-Cooper has held significant roles including Chancellor at Ivy Tech Community College, President of Contra Costa College, and Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Inver Hills Community College, part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Her extensive career also includes positions as Vice-President of Academic Affairs, Dean of Teaching and Learning, Associate Dean of Instruction, Dean of Instruction, and Dean of Academic Affairs. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct faculty at City Colleges of Chicago, Elmhurst College, and University of Phoenix.
Originally from Chicago, Dr. Robinson-Cooper's academic credentials are impressive. She earned an Ed.D. in Counseling and Adult Higher Education and a B.S. in Speech Language Pathology from Northern Illinois University, an MBA and M.S. in Organizational Leadership from National Louis University, and an A.S. in Business Administration from Kishwaukee College. Her educational and professional journey underscores her commitment to fostering educational equity and excellence.
July 9, 2024
10:30-11:30
Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper
Zoom: https://sjeccd-edu.zoom.us/j/82724184808
Dr. Vinicio J. López, Ed.D.
- BIO
Dr. Vinicio J. López is Vice President of Instruction at Skyline College. He has almost 25 years of experience as a community college English as a Second Language faculty and administrator. His administrative experiences include Academic and Student Affairs, Noncredit and Workforce Education, Dual Enrollment and International Education Programs.
At Skyline College, Dr. López collaborates with constituency groups to implement initiatives that promote a student-first campus climate. The Neighborhood Center at Skyline College is a partnership with Jefferson Adult School that services adult school students to programs at the College. Dr. López is also a tri-chair of the Enrollment Strategies Committee (ESC) that developed the first enrollment management plan in many years. The ESC was a successful college-wide collaboration that brought together students, classified professionals, faculty, and administrators to develop a 5-year plan (2024-2029) to help increase student enrollment, retention, and completion activities.
Dr. López is deeply committed to serving and partnering with our most vulnerable students. He believes that leading with grace and preserving dignity are the foundations of an inclusive and welcoming learning environment that is informed by the lived experiences and voices of students. He is passionate about mentorship and the development of a future generation of servant leaders. Dr. López is a native Spanish speaker, first generation college student and has a Doctor of Education Degree from Pepperdine University, MA Degree from the University of Phoenix, BA Degree from UC San Diego, and AA Degree from Miramar College.
July 9, 2024
1:00-2:00
Dr. Vinicio López
Zoom: https://sjeccd-edu.zoom.us/j/81031495493