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Dr. Edward Hernandez, Jr.

Dr. Edward Hernandez, Jr., is chancellor of the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD). He serves as chief executive officer for RSCCD, which includes Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College and various education centers including the Centennial Education Center, Orange Education Center, the Digital Media Center and the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. The district is the 4th largest community college district in California, serving more than 50,000 students at the main campuses and more than 20,000 students at the education centers. Dr. Hernandez has served as chancellor for 13 years, and holds the distinction of not only being the longest seated chancellor in the California Community College system but also the chancellor most widely respected for his expertise as a 40-year veteran of higher education administration.

Under his leadership, RSCCD grew from one college to a multi-college district, known as an innovator in various program sectors and one of the largest providers of workforce and economic development programs in the community college system. He is also credited with building the second largest continuing education program in the California community college system. In addition, he as led the district through an aggressive capital improvement program funded by the passage of Measure E, a $337 million general obligation bond unanimously approved by local voters in 2002. Measure E funds have allowed the district to expand both campuses with new classroom buildings, athletic facilities, and off-campus education centers. In addition, Measure E funds have been used to upgrade and modernize existing classroom buildings for energy efficiency and safety.

As a community college administrator, college president, and chancellor, Dr. Hernandez has served on countless governing boards for civic, community and non-profit organizations over the past 40 years. He is the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Communidad Latina Federal Credit Union and serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Santa Ana Business Alliance and Garden Grove Hospital. He also serves on the advisory board for The Gas Company. Most recently, he was a member of the Board of Directors for St. Joseph Hospital.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hernandez has received numerous awards, including Recognition and Appreciation for Services from the California Community College Chief Student Services Administrators, a Proclamation of Commendation for Educational Contribution to the Community from the County of Orange, a Resolution Commending Service in Education from the California State Assembly, and a California State Senate Resolution Commending Service in Education. He was also chosen Outstanding Educator by the Association of Mexican American Educators of Orange County and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Urban League Supporter of the Year and the Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of America. Dr. Hernandez was given the prestigious honor of being named one of Pasadena City College’s “75 Most Distinguished Alumni” in celebration of the college’s 75th anniversary.