Edward Hernandez, JR., Ed.D.

Dr. Edward Hernandez, Jr. is Chancellor of Rancho Santiago Community College District. He serves as chief executive officer for the District which includes Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, the Centennial Education Center, the Garden Grove Center, the Business and Industry Services Center, the Marketplace Education Center, and many additional sites throughout the communities the district serves.

Recognized as a consummate professional, Dr. Hernandez is an advocate for students and community needs, and has a commitment to the philosophy of the community college system, with a real grasp of the importance of strong ties between the college and the community it serves. Dr. Hernandez grew up in El Monte, California, graduating from El Monte High school before attending Pasadena City College. “As a former community college graduate, I have personally experienced and understand the mission of the community college,“ he states. “I was one of those students often referred to as having some potential, but not necessarily because of high school grades. It was a community college which provided me the educational opportunity to continue and strive to bigger and better things.”

From Pasadena City College where Dr. Hernandez earned an A.A. Degree, he went on to receive his B.A. and M.S. Degrees from California State University at Los Angeles and later attained a Doctorate in Community College Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. He also attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Institute for the Management of Lifelong Education, and the League for Innovation in Community College’s Executive Leadership Institute. “As the first graduate from college in my family, I have a personal stake in the continuing success of community colleges in California. I strongly believe that academic excellence in the teaching/learning process should be guaranteed and expected. The community that the college serves deserves no less than the best that we can possibly provide.”

Before joining the Rancho Santiago Community College District, Dr. Hernandez was Dean of Continuing Education and Community Services for nearly 12 years and Assistant Dean of Student Services for more than three years at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California. Prior to that, he served as an instructor at Pasadena City College for three years, held administrative positions in education and community organizations and served as a VISTA volunteer, counseling troubled youths and gang members.

Dr. Hernandez takes a leadership role in developing partners with the college community. Toward that end he has assisted in developing a multitude of programs including outreach centers, special tutoring and counseling programs. “It is important that cultural issues are addressed in order to promote a cooperative environment,” he says, adding “the potential success of students can only be enhanced by providing appropriate student support services which will help community college students succeed.”

Professional, community, and civic activities have included a wide variety of membership, including his appointment as President of Taller San Jose, a non-profit organization led by the Sisters of St. Joseph aiding low-income and/or low-achieving students in their educational goals. His other board positions include the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Santa Ana Private Industry Council, the City of Santa Ana Empowerment Zone board, the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Garden Grove Hospital Board of Directors.

Throughout his career, it is no surprise that Dr. Hernandez received numerous awards, among them Recognition and Appreciation for Services from the California Community College Chief Student Services Administrators, a Proclamation of Commendation for Educational Contribution to the Community from the County of Orange, a Resolution Commending Service in Education from the California State Assembly, and a California State Senate Resolution Commending Service in Education. He was also chosen Outstanding Educator by the Association of Mexican American Educators of Orange County, Urban League Supporter of the Year, and the Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of America. Dr. Hernandez was given the prestigious honor of being named one of Pasadena City College’s “75 Most Distinguished Alumni” in celebration of the college’s 75th anniversary. Just recently, he was awarded the Educator of the Year award by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Orange County.

Dr. Hernandez and his wife, Edna, have three children and two grandchildren.