Angélica Garcia ’98 Named Berkeley Community College President

Alumna Angélica Garcia ’98, EdD, has been named as the next president of Berkeley City College. In its public announcement, the Peralta Community College District described Garcia as “an effective and collaborative higher education leader with an emphasis on innovation, social justice, and equity while promoting academic excellence.”

Garcia’s journey as a higher education leader began at Saint Mary’s. She entered the College as a first-generation student, receiving an undergraduate degree in Liberal and Civic Studies, and went on to earn her master’s in social work and administration from San Diego State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership at San Francisco State University. In a 2011 interview, she said she was grateful for her SMC education because it aligns with Dr. Martin Luther King’s words: “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

Garcia’s SMC-influenced perspective on the role of education as having a transformative impact on students and promoting social justice and equity was echoed in her comments about taking on her new leadership role. “I believe pursuing higher education is an act of liberation, especially for historically minoritized communities,” said Garcia. “Berkeley City College students are part of a thriving community which mirrors the Bay Area’s ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic diversity. I am energized by the diversity among students and the local community.”

Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District Regina Stanback Stroud said she was elated to have Garcia join the Peralta District to lead Berkeley City College. “I am thrilled for the administrators, faculty, and staff who will benefit from her collaborative spirit and her relentless pursuit of excellence,” she said.

Garcia served as the vice president of student services at Skyline College, formerly directed the High Potential Program at SMC, and in 2019 was recognized with Saint Mary’s Signum Fidei Award for exceptional participation in the goals of higher education. Notably, Garcia is the first woman of color to receive SMC’s Signum Fidei Award and is the first Chicana to lead Berkeley City College.

Watch the 2019 Alumni Award video profile of Angélica Garcia here.