SFCC Governing Board selects Cecilia Y.M. Cervantes, Ph.D., as Interim President

SANTA FE, NM – Santa Fe Community College’s Governing Board announces that it has selected Cecilia Y.M. Cervantes, Ph.D., as the Interim President of the college. The SFCC Governing Board launched a search for the position after President Randy W. Grissom announced his retirement on Aug. 4. Grissom’s retirement is effective Oct. 31.

Gov. Board President Linda Siegle said, “We are thrilled to offer the position to Dr. Cervantes. She has the experience to build on the progress the college has made in increasing graduation rates and fostering student success. She has a strong background in collaborating with community partners, business and industry to provide greater opportunities to students.”

Board member Kathy Keith added, “The students were particularly impressed by her commitment to diversity and that she is bilingual.”

Cervantes has extensive experience working in higher education serving primarily in leadership roles at community colleges.

Cervantes most recently worked (2016) as a consultant in curriculum development at the Minneapolis Public Schools. From 2008-2015, Cervantes served as president of Hennepin Technical College (a two-campus college at Brooklyn Park and Eden Park, Minnesota). The college is the largest technical college in Minnesota and the region, serving more than 9,500 students in credit classes, as well as 10,000 students in customized training and continuing education courses.

Cervantes provided leadership as president of College of Alameda (2002-2008) in the city/island of Alameda, California. She also served as Associate Vice President of Lifelong Learning and Career Technical Education at El Paso Community College (1998-2002), Provost Transmountain Campus El Paso Community College District, Texas (1998-1999); Associate Campus Director (Chief Instructional Officer) at Doña Ana Community College in Las Cruces (1994-1998), Vice President of Academic Affairs at Western New Mexico University in Silver City (1992-1994) and Dean of Continuing Education and Dean of Arts and Humanities at the Community College of Denver (1989-1992).

She has earned the following academic credentials: Ph.D. University of Colorado (major: curriculum and instruction, minor: bilingual multicultural education/reading; M.A. University of Texas at El Paso (education/reading); and a B.A. University of Texas at El Paso (major/minor: Spanish/Chicano studies).


Santa Fe Community College celebrates its 40th Anniversary as the pathway to success for individuals and the community. SFCC provides affordable, high-quality programs that serve the academic, cultural, and economic needs of the community. The college welcomes over 10,000 students per year in credit, noncredit, workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult programs.
A “Best for Vets” and a “Military Friendly” school.

Visit sfcc.edu or call 505-428-1000.

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