Mt. SAC President/CEO
Dr. Martha Garcia
As the 10th President/CEO of Mt. San Antonio College, she is the first President of color for
the College, as well as the second female President. Dr. Martha Garcia is driven
to serve the students, whose experiences often reflect her own.
Dr. Garcia was the first in her family to pursue higher education, getting her start at a community college. Her parents, both from Mexico, worked as farmworkers so their children could have better opportunities in life.
Dr. Garcia is committed to the transformative power of higher education and student-centered leadership. The values she learned from her parents – hard work, perseverance, honesty, and respect – guide and inspire her.
Prior to joining Mt. SAC, Dr. Garcia was the Superintendent/President of College of the Desert (COD). Before joining COD, Dr. Garcia served as Superintendent/President of Imperial Valley College in Imperial, California, where she developed numerous programs to remove barriers to student success.
To help students facing food and housing insecurity, she helped create a tiny housing community, student food pantry, and food distribution program on campus. She also secured more than $23 million in grants to support the creation of innovative programs and services.
In her 21 years at Imperial Valley College, Dr. Garcia also served as Vice President of Student Services, Acting Vice President of Academic Services, and Special Projects Coordinator overseeing Career Education programs. She was named one of the 2018 Distinguished Woman of the Year by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia.
Dr. Garcia holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling from National University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University, and an Associate Degree from Imperial Valley College.
She also serves or has served in leadership roles on boards and task forces of numerous organizations, including the California Association of Latino Community College Trustees and Administrators, Community College League of California Committees, and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Implementation Workgroup.
Dr. Garcia is excited and honored to serve Mt. SAC students, team members, and the community!
Contact Information
Dr. Garcia may be reached during business hours at:
(909) 274-4250
martha.garcia@mtsac.edu
