WHITTIER – Río Hondo College will hold a reception to welcome Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, celebrating efforts by the newly appointed College leader to champion collaboration and transparency.

Reyes, an educator for 33 years, was appointed Río Hondo College’s 10th superintendent/president in July 2019. He comes to Río Hondo College from Mendocino College, where he held the same post since 2013.

A lifelong California resident, Reyes holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UC Davis and a Master of Arts degree in Education and Administrative Services credential from California State University, Sacramento, where he participated in the Bilingual Leadership Training Program and received dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication Studies and Spanish. He also holds a secondary teaching credential from UC Davis.

“We are thrilled to be working with an executive with such a deep understanding of community college dynamics, a respect for the collaborative process of governance and a commitment to bring fiscal stability, increase enrollment and performance, and decrease completion time,” Board of Trustees President Oscar Valladares said.

“My first goal is to listen – to our students, faculty, staff, administrators and the community,” Reyes said. “I want to learn from all constituency groups and community members about how we can best work together to create a shared vision that will guide us toward success. My second goal is transparency – to be transparent in everything Río. And my third goal is to be accessible – to all, especially to our students.”

Reyes said that although today’s students may face many barriers to success, they push past those challenges due to their resilience and with the support of College faculty, staff and management.

The reception program features the Río Hondo College Police Academy Honor Guard and remarks from Board President Valladares, Associated Students of Río Hondo College President Christina Almanza, College Vice President of Academic Affair Dr. Laura Ramirez, Academic Senate President Dr. Kevin Smith, EOP&S/CARE Specialist Laura Verdugo on behalf of the Classified School Employee Association, and Río Hondo College Foundation President Dr. Carmella Franco.

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RHC_Reyes_1: Río Hondo College will hold a reception to welcome Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, celebrating efforts by the newly appointed campus leader to champion collaboration and transparency.