Dr. Pedro Avila is the Vice President of Student Services at Santa Rosa Junior College. He has worked in the community college system for 20 years and has led several successful initiatives to increase college-going rates for underrepresented student populations.

He was born and spent his childhood in Guadalajara, Mexico. In 1984, his family emigrated to the US to find better opportunities.  Like many migrant families, they experienced poverty and housing insecurity hardships.

Dr. Avila holds degrees in Latino studies and business from Fresno State University. A Master in Business Administration from Rockhurst University and a Certificate in Institutional Performance Assessment from Harvard’s Higher Education Institute. He holds a Doctorate in Community College Policy from the University of Maryland.

His administrative experience includes serving as Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, Admissions & Records, and Information Systems at State Center Community College District. At West Hills Community College District, he served as Vice President of Student Services and Vice-Chancellor of Institutional Effectiveness & Enrollment Management.

Dr. Avila’s work is grounded in his experiences as an immigrant, English-language learner, and first-generation college student.