Valenzuela Named Interim VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Marco Antonio Valenzuela has been named interim vice president of student affairs and dean of students at Harvey Mudd College for the 2021–2022 academic year.

Valenzuela joined the College’s Division of Student Affairs in September 2018 as assistant dean for housing and residential life. In 2019, he was promoted to associate dean of students and director of residential life. On July 1, he will step into the role of interim vice president of student affairs and dean of students, succeeding Anna Gonzalez (Dr. G), who is leaving HMC to become vice chancellor for student affairs at Washington University in St. Louis.

“As I prepare for the VPSA/dean of students role, I hope to build on what Dr. G has done for student affairs at Mudd by continuing to work collaboratively with students, faculty and staff,” says Valenzuela, who credits Gonzalez with encouraging him to pursue a career in student affairs. “I am excited about this opportunity to lead the Division of Student Affairs as we plan to welcome our students back to campus safely.”

Valenzuela will utilize more than 18 years of experience in student affairs, having served at a number of other colleges and universities, including Pomona College, Woodbury University, The Ohio State University, UC Irvine, Johns Hopkins University, Hawai’i Pacific University and the University of La Verne.

He is an active member of the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and the American College Personnel Association and serves as an adjunct faculty member at Claremont Graduate University.

In addition to New Student Orientation and Commencement, the HMC Division of Student Affairs (DSA) is responsible for a broad range of student services and support. DSA staff oversee the housing and residential life experience, campus activities, social justice education programs, student wellness support, career services, leadership training, and volunteering and community service. Along with close collaboration with The Claremont Colleges Services, DSA also provides wellness, cultural and spiritual programs and services for students.