Juan Maldonado, the second finalist for Del Mar College’s provost/VP of academic and student a airs position, met with faculty members and students for a meet-and-greet event Feb. 25 in the Retama Room in the Harvin Center.
“Community colleges will continue to be a major and key player in the future of our educational systems, our state, and this great country that we live in,” Maldonado said in his presentation, titled “Future of Community Colleges.”
Maldonado made a point to mention three things that would make a college indispensable: proximity, affordability and quality. These are the three trademarks that classify or exemplify every single community college in the state, he said.
Michelle Mirelez/Foghorn
Juan Maldonado discusses the importance of community colleges at his meet-and-greet on Feb. 25.
When referring to students who are already on a career pathway and are looking for a bridge to continue the education they have received, he felt the need for preparation to t those future students’ needs.
“That is why it is so important that the community college continues to keep their pulse on what the nation, what the state wants and what the business industry community wants. The key to making sure that we can take on those things is proper advisement from the get-go,” Maldonado said.
Maldonado attended the University of North Texas in Denton, where he received his undergraduate degree and of education in guidance and counseling. Maldonado later attended Texas Woman’s University in Denton, where he was awarded his Ph.D. in child development and sociology.
Maldonado’s experience in education is wide ranging. At Tarrant County College in Fort Worth he worked positions as a professor and a chairperson. His VP experience grew with his employment at Laredo Community College, where he began as VP for student development and human resources. His position grew as VP for instruction and student development to executive VP, and he now holds his current position as president of Laredo Community College.
