July 5, 2023

Dear Santa Rosa Junior College Community,

As I close my first full day at SRJC, I am reflecting on how humbled and privileged I am to serve as the 6th Superintendent/President of the College. Earlier today, I was recalling a memory of being in the “fields” outside of Fresno, where I played in the vines, as my mama and family picked the crops for a nearby raisin production plant. While these experiences seem worlds apart, they are both equally important in the fabric of who I am as an educator.

I am grateful to the Sonoma County Junior College District trustees for their confidence in my leadership, skills, and commitment to serve Santa Rosa Junior College and the District. I would also like to express my gratitude for the work of the screening committee, as they spent many hours reviewing and interviewing potential candidates. I am grateful for the onboarding support I have received from colleagues in Human Resources, Academic Affairs, Student Services, Business Services, and the mighty team in the Office of the President. For the past month, I have received a variety of welcome messages from colleagues throughout the ranks of faculty, classified professionals, administrators, students, and community members, including a video message and morning social in the President’s Office. These have confirmed my belief that the SRJC community is where I am supposed to be. I have come home.

It is my aspiration to meet every single colleague throughout our five sites and campuses. I know this will take time, but I am eager to meet you. Please do not hesitate to stop me when you see me walking across campus or out in the community, giving me some grace to remember your name. Until we get the chance to meet, please send me your favorite spots to eat, walk, hike, or for family fun activities, as I would love to explore Sonoma County. My family and I are excited to be joining the community and are actively searching for a home in Santa Rosa.

In Community,

Angélica Garcia, Ed.D.

Superintendent/President