San Diego City College names Marciano Perez, Jr. the new Vice President of Student Services. Perez is a higher education trailblazer with over 25 years of experience advocating for under-represented students and changing inequality and injustices in the classroom. He began his new role on December 16, 2021.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine to be here today. City College is my home and my family. The campus inspires me to do more every day,” said Perez.

Before arriving at City College, Perez found his drive for academia while working in residential education at the University of California Davis and later working at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) as the associate dean of Students and director of Residence Life.

Perez remembers his parents leaving Puerto Rico for Gary, Indiana to provide a better life for their family. “I see myself in the students that come here to City College,” said Perez, a first-generation high school and college graduate. “I know what it feels like to not be from a social culture that already knows how to apply for and be successful in a college and university environment.”

A major goal for Perez as Vice President is to change the perspective of individuals who do not see college as possible. “Anyone is capable of going to college. It’s about showing up every time,” he said. “That’s why community colleges are so important. They truly provide access and a pathway for everyone whether they want to earn a degree, transfer, or gain a skill to enter the workforce.”

This semester Perez will focus on enrollment and retention. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, City College demonstrated incredible possibilities for online learning,” he said. “As we navigate returning safely to campus, we have to find a balance of online, in-person, and hybrid curriculum and reintroduce the campus and all it has to offer to the community.”

“I am looking forward to bringing my family to City College events, especially to watch the plays put on by the dramatic arts department,” said Perez, whose passion for education runs in his family. His oldest daughter works at UCSD, and his younger daughter is pursuing a performance degree in musical theatre at San Diego State University.

Perez earned his Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature from Denison University.