West Hills College Lemoore gets new vice president pending board approval

Val Martinez Garcia Jr. will step in replacing retiring Vice President of Student Services Sylvia Dorsey-Robinson and will start in his new position Jan. 3.

Garcia was selected following a national search, which yielded 48 candidates. He was one of seven interviewed for the position and one of three finalists. He previously worked as the Vice President of Student Services at Porterville College in Porterville.

He has also previously served as the Dean of Academic Affairs for Porterville College, the Associate Dean of Instruction for Taft College, and the director of the Kern County Regional Campus for the University of La Verne. He has taught at Taft College, San Joaquin Valley College, University of La Verne, and CSU Bakersfield Extended Education.

West Hills College Lemoore president Kristin Clark is looking forward to working with Garcia. 

 “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Garcia to West Hills College Lemoore,” Clark said.  “His experience in higher education administration coupled with his passion for students makes him a perfect fit for the Vice President of Student Services.  Mr. Garcia has assured me that he is prepared to contribute to our relentless pursuit of student success.”   

Garcia holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, a Master of Science in School Counseling, and is working toward a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne. He is a first-generation college student with an interest in and love for the community college system.

“I came from a family of field workers and worked in the fields myself, so my first college class was a very new experience for me,” Garcia said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help I received from my local community college.  Because of this, I am passionate about education and have a desire to give back.  I am excited to be joining a team that is committed to innovation and student success.”