SALINAS VALLEY — Hartnell College has announced the appointment of Sandra Guzmán as its new Vice President of Student Affairs, effective July 7.
Guzmán brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education and community-based organizations, focused on advancing student success, equity and mental wellness. She most recently served as Dean of Student Engagement and Completion at American River College, where she led a broad range of student support programs and learning communities for Latinx, Black, LGBTQIA+, undocumented and justice-impacted students.
Previously at Sacramento City College (SCC), Guzmán held multiple elected faculty leadership roles, including president of the academic senate. In that capacity, she championed inclusive policy development and equity-minded hiring practices.
She also co-developed “Undocu Ally” training, later adopted districtwide and served as a consultant for Hispanic-Serving Institution initiatives statewide. Her contributions earned her the SCC Faculty Excellence Award and the Latino Leadership Council’s Quetzal Educator Award.
At Hartnell, Guzmán will lead student services across all district locations. Her responsibilities will include oversight of counseling, student life, basic needs programs, mental health services and culturally responsive learning communities. She will play a central role in efforts to increase access, foster academic achievement and support students’ overall well-being.
Guzmán holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish from California State University Chico, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of San Francisco. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in leadership studies with a focus on student personnel services at the University of the Cumberlands.
“Growing up, my uncles worked the lettuce fields in Salinas to help support our family,” Guzmán said. “It’s an incredible honor to return to this community in service. I’m excited to help create pathways for students to thrive at Hartnell College.”
