Maria Villagomez, Ed.D.

About

Dr. María L. Villagómez is goal-oriented, resourceful, responsive, and adept at redirecting her attention between the details and the ‘big’ picture of an issue. She is a recognized leader and innovator with nearly 25 years of experience in increasingly responsible positions in the CA community college system, including more than 16 years as a college faculty member.

Dr. Villagómez holds bachelor's and master’s degrees in Spanish Literature, a second master’s degree in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning with an emphasis in Educational Leadership, and a doctorate in education (EdD) in Educational Leadership.

Currently, Dr. Villagómez is the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Academic Affairs and the Accreditation Liaison at Santa Barbara City College, providing visionary leadership and oversight for the college’s broad array of academic programs. As the ASVPAA, she led a no-cost reorganization in academic affairs to maximize effectiveness and efficiency across the instructional areas. In this role, she co-chairs various projects, including the development of the Educational Vision Plan, and the implementation of the college’s Strategic Enrollment Plan.

At Napa Valley College, Dr. Villagómez served as the Senior Dean over two of the largest FTES-generating and most productive divisions, Language Arts and Social Sciences, and oversaw the Library and Distance Education. Her previous positions include Dean of Instruction and Academic Support, and Dean of Language Arts, Educational Support, and Learning Technologies.

Dr. Villagómez taught Spanish Language and Literature courses as a tenured professor at Napa Valley College for over 18 years, a role for which she won the McPherson Distinguished Teaching Award in 2015. At NVC, she served as President, 1st Vice President and Grievance Officer for the Faculty Association, and as 1st Vice President and Secretary for the Academic Senate.

Dr. Villagómez has always been active in various civic local and statewide organizations including Napa-Solano Girl Scouts, Leadership Napa Valley, HOPE, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, Napa Valley College Leadership Academy as well as her local library. She has served on the board of directors of ACCCA as a state-wide representative and as the Vice President of the NVC Administrative Senate. In 2017, she completed the ACCCA’s Great Deans Program. In 2022, she was selected by her colleagues at NVC as the Administrative/Confidential Employee of the Year. In 2022, she completed CCLC’s Aspiring CEO leadership program. Currently, she serves on ACCCA’s Commission for Finance, Legislation, and Advocacy. Most recently, she was selected to be part of Aspen's prestigious Aspiring Presidential Fellowship, which she will complete in Spring of 2025.

In her free time, Dr. Villagómez enjoys spending quality time with her husband, a college professor, and their son.

Education

BA, Spanish Linguistics

MA, Spanish Linguistics

MA, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning

Ed.D., Educational Leadership