Vice President of Student Services Dr. Jessica Robinson, MSW, is one of 40 leaders selected for the 2021-22 class of the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. The program is a highly selective leadership program preparing the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success. 

 

The Rising Presidents Fellows will embark on the 10-month fellowship beginning in November 2021. Delivered in collaboration with the Stanford Educational Leadership Initiative, the fellows will be mentored by esteemed current and former community college presidents who have achieved exceptional outcomes for students throughout their careers, and will learn strategies to improve student outcomes in and after college, lead internal change, and create strong external partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year colleges, employers, and other partners.

 

“With equitable access and success as the north star, Jessica has taken student services to new heights,” said Barnes, who this year completed a similar fellowship for new college presidents at the Aspen Institute. “Jessica has proven to be a successful leader in the community colleges and has the characteristics needed to ultimately be a successful CEO.”

 

Robinson said she has devoted her career to attaining equitable success for community college students, a goal borne from her personal history as a first-generation college student and a Latina.

 

“This desire to develop possibilities for student success comes from my background, coupled with my passion for working with others to break down institutional barriers,” she said. “Acceptance into this prestigious program is both an honor and a privilege." 

 

Dr. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work, a Master of Social Work degree with an administration concentration, and a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership with a community college specialization from San Diego State University (SDSU). She attended Cuyamaca College prior to transferring to SDSU.

 

For more than 20 years, she has served in higher education with positions held in both student services and academic affairs. Her rich combination of experiences in student services and academic affairs has uniquely positioned her to build and strengthen partnerships between student services and instruction. An advocate for underserved populations, Dr. Robinson is well-respected for her work with creating a highly successful college-going program for youth in foster care while serving as the Executive Director of the Consensus Organizing Center at SDSU.