New VP named at SRJC

Santa Rosa Junior College has hired Pedro Avila as the new Vice President of Student Services and Assistant Superintendent. He replaces Ricardo Navarrette, former VPSS, who retired in 2016 after providing 30 years of service to the district.

Avila has worked in the community college system for 14 years and in the private sector for six years. He served as Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, Admissions and Records, and Information Systems at State Center Community College District in Fresno. He also served the West Hills Community College District as Vice President of Student Services and Vice Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness and Enrollment Management.

Avila has led a number of successful innovative strategies resulting in transformational change. During his three years at State Center Community College District, he led a 13 percent growth in student enrollment, one of the highest growth rates in California. At West Hills Community College District, he led the implementation of a matriculation and priority registration process aimed at high school seniors that resulted in a 35 percent increase in high school graduates enrollments.

“We’re gratified that a talented professional of Pedro Avila’s caliber has joined SRJC,” said Dr. Frank Chong, Superintendent and President. “Education is the pathway to individual career success and collective economic growth. With thousands of local students depending on SRJC for an affordable way to obtain an excellent education, the best practices and successes that Pedro brings to Sonoma County will have a ripple effect for both our residents and our economy.”

Avila emigrated from Mexico to Castroville with his family at the age of 9. As a first-generation college student, he attended Fresno State University and received bachelor’s degrees in business administration and Latin American Studies. He holds a master’s of business administration from Rockhurst University and a certificate in institutional performance assessment from Harvard University’s Higher Education Institute.

Avila and his wife, Jeanette, have two daughters.