Dr. Robert H. Vela Jr., LPC, NCC, has been appointed Dean of Student Affairs at San Antonio College, effective August 18.  President Robert E. Zeigler made the recommendation to the Alamo Community Colleges’ Board of Trustees, who approved the appointment at their meeting on August 5. 
     
“Dr. Vela will be an outstanding addition to our administrative team,” said Dr Zeigler, who added, “He brings impressive experience in student affairs and classroom instruction, as well as superior recommendations from his colleagues.”
     
Vela is currently Dean of Student Development at San Jacinto College – North Campus in Houston, Texas, and teaches graduate courses in educational leadership at Sam Houston State University and Capella University.  Previously, he was Coordinator/Counselor at Coastal Bend College and Director of the Teacher Development Center at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.  He also taught at Prairie View A&M University, Texas A&M University at Kingsville, and University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg.
     
"I am very excited about joining a wonderful institution,” said Dr. Vela.  He added, “San Antonio College has an excellent reputation for student success through innovative student programs and instruction led by talented faculty, staff and administrators. I am elated about working with such a gifted team. I hope to meet everyone soon."

As Dean of Student Development at San Jacinto College – North Campus, Dr. Vela managed the Student Development Division, oversaw the Upward Bound Program and Student Support Services Program, helped implement co-curricular student success projects, and was community liaison for the college.
     
He completed his B.A. in psychology and sociology and his M.S. degree in counseling and guidance from Texas A&M University – Kingsville, and he earned his doctorate in a joint doctoral program in educational leadership from Texas A&M University - Kingsville and Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi.  He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor.

Vela is a member of numerous professional and community organizations, including the National Council on Student Development, the North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Public Policy Committee Representative for NASPA Region III, National Association of Student personnel Administrators, American College Counseling Association, Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, National Institute for Staff & Organizational Development, American Counseling Association, National Association of Developmental Education, and Texas Community College Teachers Association.

Editors’ Note:  A photo of Dr. Vela will be available for download on the SAC website at http://www.accd.edu/sac/pr/html/newsrel.htm.