Palomar College hires Nick Mata

SAN MARCOS - The new Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services at Palomar College, Nick Mata, began his duties Monday, July 31, 2023, coming to North County from Santa Monica College.

"We're thrilled to have Nick as our new Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services, a role that is integral to the success of our students," said Superintendent/President Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey. "We are confident that he will be a great addition to our team and Palomar College will benefit from his 25 years of dedicated service as a student-centered leader."

Mata most recently served as the Dean of Special Programs at Santa Monica College. He previously held leadership positions as Dean of Counseling and interim Dean of Students at

Santa Monica College, Dean of Special Programs at Los Angeles Southwest College and interim Dean of Student Affairs at San Diego Miramar College.

"As Vice President of Student Services, I am thrilled for the opportunity to contribute to the transformation that Palomar College is currently experiencing. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to redesign the student experience to ensure equity, success and completion," Mata said.

As a former low-income, first-generation, Latino college student, Mata has relied on his lived experiences to lead others. When asked what about Palomar College generated his interest in the role, Mata stated, "as a Hispanic Serving Institution that models a core framework of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, Palomar College was an obvious choice for me."

Mata holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration-Student Affairs from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. As a new resident of San Marcos, he and his family are looking forward to exploring the region.

Submitted by Palomar College.