Jose Vargas, Interim President
Santiago Canyon College
Jose Vargas was appointed Interim President of Santiago Canyon College (SCC) in July 2020. Reporting to the Rancho Santiago Community College District Chancellor, his responsibilities include planning, organizing and implementing educational policy and procedures to develop curriculum and student support services; budget management; enhancing partnerships with business, governmental and community organizations, as well as with the K-12 and higher education institutions in the area; and leading the institution's fund development efforts.
Most recently, Mr. Vargas serve as Vice President of Continuing Education at SCC where he was responsible for one of the largest community college adult education programs in the state. In this role, he provided leadership, oversight and support for all functions within the division, including the planning and delivery of free-tuition adult education classes and programs, student support services, enrollment, division facilities, resource development, division budgets, and local and state advocacy on issues related to adult education.
Mr. Vargas has more than 27 years of experience in education, five years as a faculty member and 22 years in administration. Prior to joining RSCCD, he served as an administrator for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Mr. Vargas is a veteran of the United States Army and held various jobs in private industry prior to entering the field of education.
A Mexican immigrant and first-generation college graduate, Mr. Vargas has a deep understanding of the needs of community college students and the sensitivity and cultural awareness needed to serve the district's ethnically rich and economically diverse community. He is committed to help and give back to the community whenever possible.
Mr. Vargas earned a master of arts degree in Educational Administration and a bachelor of science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in computer information systems from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He also holds an associate in arts degree in liberal arts from East Los Angeles College and an associate of applied sciences degree in electronics engineering technology from ITT Technical Institute, West Covina.
July 2020
