One of two provost candidates visit Del Mar College

Matilda Saenz, one of the college’s finalists for the provost/ VP of academic and student affairs position, met with faculty members and students for a meet-and-greet event Feb. 8 in the Retama Room at the Harvin Center with a presentation titled “Wisdom and Dreams.”

“My vision encompasses ‘student success,’ accomplished through an exemplary synthesis of the four pillars of the community college: collaboration, transformation, innovation and communication,” she said at the event. “My leadership experience will add value to Del Mar College’s vision— ‘Dreams Delivered.’ Together with faculty, staff and the Del Mar College community we can weave ‘Wisdom and Dreams’ into the ‘intellectual tune’ of student success.”

Saenz, who grew up in Robstown, is no stranger to DMC. “My professional career has been spent for the most part in a community college,” she said. Also, my very first college teaching assignment, developmental writing, was at Del Mar College. Del Mar College presents a great opportunity for students and a challenge for faculty and staff to raise student expectations. The interaction of returning students and freshmen students fascinates me. Their engagement with the class content, the other students, the professors and the environment all contribute to student success.”

IMG_7081Michelle Mirelez/Foghorn

Alan Berecka (left) speaks to provost candidate Matilda Saenz. Saenz earned her Ph.D. in English from Texas Woman’s University.

Saenz also mentioned what she thinks is the most important trait for a faculty member.

“Someone who cares,” she said. “Student success happens when faculty, staff , parents and family all care about student success. Student success doesn’t happen in a vacuum — engagement, resilience and interrelationships form a successful student’s college experience.”

Saenz earned her Ph.D. in English from Texas Woman’s University in Denton.

She was brought back to her roots when she worked as a full-time teacher at Texas A&M University — Kingsville, where she had earned a master’s of arts degree in English (then known as Texas A&I University- Kingsville).

Saenz has previous experience as a provost/VP of instruction while working for Mountain View College. She is employed as the district direc- tor for our state Rep. Abel Hererro, D-Robstown.

The other finalist for the position, Juan Maldonado, plans a similar meet-and-greet event for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Retama Room.


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