UKIAH, Calif. – The Mendocino-Lake Community College District is pleased to announce the appointment of Ulises Velasco as the district’s first vice president of student services.

Velasco was selected from a competitive pool of highly qualified candidates, after an extensive search, to advocate for the students, provide visionary leadership, and strengthen our services to students.

Superintendent/President Arturo Reyes noted Velasco’s higher education student services experience, academic preparation, commitment to student equity and social justice, and his integrity as primary qualities in recommending him for this vital role at Mendocino College.

“Mr. Velasco is a positive force in our community and at the college,” said Reyes. “His enthusiastic dedication to student access, success, and completion make him an excellent fit for the vice president role at our institution. I am confident he will serve all our students well! We are thrilled to have him join the executive leadership team at Mendocino College.”

Velasco has worked in higher education for more than seven years. He most recently served as the interim dean of student services at Mendocino College and previously held the director of financial aid position.

Since January 2015 he has been serving in these two capacities where he oversees multiple student services departments and special programs.

Prior to joining Mendocino College, Velasco worked at Arizona State University in the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services Office as assistant director, coordinator, financial aid counselor and office specialist.

At Arizona State University he was instrumental in the streamlining of customer service efforts and the implementation of a number of university college initiatives.

A product of a single-parent household and a first-generation college student, Velasco earned an AA in liberal arts from Santa Monica College.

As a proud graduate of the California community college system, he then transferred to Columbia University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history. Most recently he earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Arizona State University.

He also was a member of Leadership Mendocino’s 23rd class, is an active member of the Rotary Club of South Ukiah, and has been instrumental in forming the local “Friends of the Rotary” program.

Velasco, his wife Amanda and their son currently live in Ukiah.