Caring Campus Racial Equity Advisory Council

Robert Vela

President, San Antonio College

Dr. Robert Vela currently serves as the 12th President of San Antonio College in San Antonio, Texas. With more than 20 years in higher education administration, Dr. Vela’s personal philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, which is evident in his involvement with numerous professional organizations. He serves as President of the National Community College Hispanic Council, American Association of Community Colleges Board of Directors and the Challenger Center’s National Board. His honors include the 2015 Distinguished Alumni from Texas A&M University – Kingsville, 2008 National Community College Hispanic Council Leadership Fellows Program, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award in Teaching, Leadership and Learning in 2007, and the Javelina Emotional Intelligence Program Award by the American College Personnel Association in 2003.  Under Dr. Vela’s leadership, San Antonio College recently won the 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.