San José City College names two new vice presidents

San José City College said Tuesday it has appointed Victoria Menzies as vice president of administrative services and Dr. René Alvarez as vice president of student services, both effective July 1, 2026. The leadership changes are meant to strengthen the college’s executive team heading into the 2026–27 academic year.

Why it matters: - San José City College is adding two senior leaders as it prepares for the 2026–27 academic year. - The appointments put finance, operations and student support under leaders with experience inside the college and across the California Community College system. - The move is aimed at reinforcing student success, equity and operational management.

What happened: - SJCC President Dr. Marilyn Flores announced the appointments of Victoria Menzies and Dr. René Alvarez on June 30, 2026. - Both vice-presidential roles take effect July 1, 2026. - Victoria Menzies will serve as vice president of administrative services. - Dr. René Alvarez will serve as vice president of student services.

The details: - Menzies brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education finance and public-sector operations. - Her portfolio has included fiscal management, facilities and capital planning, information technology, auxiliary services and human resources. - Menzies previously served as director of college fiscal services at SJCC. - Her career includes work at four-year universities and in the California Community College system. - Her background includes efforts tied to financial strategy, fiscal stewardship, operational transparency, governance improvements and budget transparency. - Before entering higher education, Menzies held administrative roles in public housing. - She has also mentored individuals with disabilities. - Menzies holds a Master of Public Administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in finance from the University of La Verne. - Alvarez is currently dean of student services at SJCC. - His work has focused on equity-centered leadership, student advocacy and institutional innovation. - Alvarez has led initiatives to streamline institutional systems and build community and industry partnerships. - He has published research on first-year experience instruction, Trans student narratives, student equity implementation and at-risk student success. - Alvarez has also presented nationally on systemic racism and academic resilience. - He has taught courses on career development and the intersection of race and the criminal justice system. - His honors include the 2026 ACCCA Mertes Award for Excellence in Community College Research, the 2024 ACCCA Award for Progress in Diversity and 2022 Administrator of the Year recognitions from SJCC and CAPED. - Alvarez serves on the board of directors of the Bill Wilson Center. - He holds a BA in sociology and anthropology and an MS in criminal justice from Florida International University, an MEd in human resource studies from Colorado State University and a PhD in career and workforce education from the University of South Florida. - SJCC was founded in 1921 and serves Silicon Valley and the greater San José community as part of the San José–Evergreen Community College District. - The college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs. - More information is available at the college website.

Between the lines: - Menzies’ return to SJCC suggests continuity in the college’s administrative leadership. - Alvarez’s promotion from within the institution signals confidence in existing student services leadership. - The pair’s backgrounds point to a leadership structure that blends fiscal operations with student-centered equity work.

What's next: - Menzies and Alvarez will begin their new roles on July 1, 2026. - Their work will shape SJCC’s operations and student support as the college moves into the new academic year.

The bottom line: - SJCC is betting on two experienced insiders to help guide the college’s next phase of leadership and service.