FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2002
CONTACT: Cynthia Villafranco, Palo Alto College Public Information Officer
cvillafr@accd.edu

Robert Garza Named to Lead Distance Learning at Palo Alto College

Robert "Bobby" Garza has recently been named director of distance and extended education at Palo Alto College.

Before his promotion, Garza was in charge of overseeing the development and implementation of the college’s internet, telecourses and interactive video conferencing courses. Now, he will spearhead college recruitment and the Upward Bound and Dual Credit programs.

"Robert’s expertise in the field of distance education makes him a great asset to this department," said Dr. Ana M. "Cha" Guzman, president of Palo Alto College. "We’re very fortunate to have him lead our recruitment efforts"

"With the growing demand to provide high quality distance education instruction, we needed a strong leader and Robert has proven himself to take on the task," added Dr. Mike Flores, interim dean of institutional advancement, effectivemess and community development.

Garza began at Palo Alto as the off-site coordinator from 1999-2000. Before joining Palo Alto, he served as the coordinator of special programs from 1997-1999 and senior admissions counselor/recruiter from 1996-1997 at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Garza received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Administration from UTSA. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational administration in higher education at the University of Texas at Austin.

Garza has been a member of various professional organizations and committees, including the Texas Association of College Admissions Counselors and the South Texas Coordinating Board Regional Council.

Palo Alto College is a fully accredited community college on the Southside, which awards associated degrees, short-term certificates and offers non-credit continuing education classes. It is recognized nationally for its high transfer rate. Palo Alto College is located at 1400 W. Villaret at I-410 South and Hwy. 16.