NCCHC LEADERSHIP FELLOWS PROGRAM NAMES NEW 2025 DIRECTOR
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The Dr. Ted Martinez Jr. NCCHC Leadership Fellows Program
Purpose
The purpose of the Leadership Fellows program is to provide participants with the training and knowledge to be competitive candidates for executive-level positions, especially the CEO position, in a community college setting. The demographics of community college students have changed over time, and they will continue to change. Successful leaders understand the changing needs of students, the components of student success, and the multi-faceted management of complex organizations as well as the competencies required to manage such organizations. The Leadership Fellows program seeks to develop successful leaders who will be able to implement a comprehensive strategy and methodology resulting in greater student success.
Who Should Apply?
The successful applicant will possess a Master’s degree, although a doctorate is preferred, and currently hold a full-time position in a community college as a Director, Dean, Vice President, or comparable management position.
Curriculum and Program Information
The program curriculum will evolve with changing conditions and requirements in the field. Key focuses include organizational development, Board-CEO relations, management skills, student success strategies, job interview preparation, institutional planning, fundraising, and internal/external relations. The program curriculum will be delivered at the two residential learning seminars. The first seminar will be held in conjunction with the NCCHC Annual Symposium from September 25-27, 2025 in Long Beach, California, and the second seminar will be scheduled for Spring 2026 at a time and location to be determined.
A major component of the program is professional mentoring/coaching. Each program participant will be paired with a senior level executive who will work with the Fellow during the academic year to develop a career plan. The career plan will indicate expectations for the year as well as expected outcomes. The Fellows will also be encouraged and supported to engage in additional professional development activities such as making a professional presentation at the NCCHC Symposium or at another professional meeting or writing a thought paper on a relevant educational topic.
Program Cost
The program tuition is $6,000.
- Tuition covers the participant costs for seminars, which include housing, meals, and some program materials.
- Travel, incidentals, and the cost of attending the NCCHC Symposium is the responsibility of the participant and/or the sponsoring institution.
- Candidates must agree to attend all sessions, including the NCCHC Symposium. They must demonstrate support from their supervisor and obtain a letter of recommendation from that person.
- Payment is required upon acceptance into the program.
Eligibility
- Currently hold an administrative position (director, dean, vice-president) and aspire to become an executive leader of a community college, such as a dean, vice-president, or president
- Master’s degree required, doctorate preferred
2025 NCCHC LFP application deadline is April 15, 2025. The online application form and additional requirements must be received by the deadline to be officially reviewed. Space is limited and incomplete applications will not be considered. Early application is advised as applications will be reviewed and accepted as received and space is limited. Applicants will be notified by the May 15, 2025 deadline whether they have been accepted to the program.
For Further Information
Address any questions about the Dr. Ted Martinez Jr. NCCHC Leadership Fellows Program to:
Raúl Rodríguez, PhD
Program Executive Director
raulrodriguez82010@gmail.com
About the Director
Dr. Raúl Rodríguez is a seasoned educator who has received numerous awards and recognitions during his long career in education. He served as a community college CEO (president or chancellor) in the California community college system for 28 years. Among his previous positions, he was the Chancellor of the Rancho Santiago Community College District, the Superintendent/President of San Joaquin Delta College, and the President of Los Medanos College. He also held the positions of Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of Instruction, Dean of Instructional Resources, and Director of Institutional Research. Dr. Rodríguez taught psychology at both the community college and university levels.
Dr. Rodríguez received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He also possesses a Master’s Degree in School and Applied Psychology from Fairfield University and a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. During his graduate studies, Dr. Rodriguez was awarded a Fullbright Research Fellowship to the Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City and a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at the University of California, San Francisco.
Dr. Rodríguez has been involved in many professional and civic organizations over the years. He is currently the Vice President of Membership and Family Engagement for the District 3 PTA in the Sacramento Region and a Staff Fellow with Wheelhouse: the Center for Community College Leadership and Research. Dr. Rodríguez previously served on numerous boards, including United Way, Goodwill, Chamber of Commerce, National Community College Hispanic Council, Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Los Angeles/Orange County Regional Consortium for Career & Technical Education, Workforce Development Board, Boys and Girls Club, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and many others.
Dr. Rodríguez currently resides in the community of Fair Oaks, California with his wife and daughter.
About the Co-Director
Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta is the Co-Director of the Dr. Ted Martinez Jr. NCCHC Leadership Fellows Program, where she is proud to be a 2015 alumna of the program. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the Bill J. Priest Center for Community College Education at the University of North Texas (UNT). In her role at UNT, Dr. Olivares-Urueta teaches full-time in the graduate Higher Education program, oversees the EdD program, and manages the Community College Leadership Certificate. With a Doctorate in Higher Education, she is committed to advancing opportunities for historically underrepresented groups within the higher education landscape.
Dr. Olivares-Urueta has extensive experience in student development, having previously served as Vice President for Student Development Services at Tarrant County College, where she implemented programs that significantly improved student retention and success, including an emergency grant initiative that provided critical financial support to students in need.
An active researcher and thought leader, she has published several articles, including “From At Risk to At Promise: Fighting Fiercely for the Community College Students We Have to Safeguard the Futures They Deserve” in Teachers College Record, and “Mamis Rising: Challenging the Narrative of Who Belongs in Administration and Academia” in the Journal of Applied Research in Community Colleges. Her work emphasizes the importance of community partnerships and addressing systemic barriers faced by students.
Dr. Olivares-Urueta engages in mentoring emerging leaders in higher education and enjoys running, reading, and spending time with family and friends.