We invite members of our internal and external community to engage in the public phase of the search process. Please mark your calendars to participate in the finalist forums. We look forward to reviewing your feedback for inclusion in this critical process.
Submit a Question for the Finalists
All public forums will be held in Administration Building - Room 123 at the Madera Community College campus. The forums will welcome in person attendance. A recording will be available for viewing by those unable to attend. Recordings of Finalist Forums will be available for viewing and providing feedback through 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. This page will be updated with forum recording and feedback links.
Each forum will be 50 minutes and provide an opportunity for finalists to introduce themselves and respond to questions prepared in advance from internal and external community member submissions.
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
| Name | Time |
|---|---|
| Dr. Mark McKinney | 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. |
| Dr. Dalexh Hunt | 12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. |
| Traci Simmons | 1:00 p.m. - 1:50 p.m. |
| Dr. Melissa Menendez | 2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. |
| Gurminder Sangha | 3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. |
If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources:
| Name | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Paola Zamora | paola.zamora@scccd.edu | 559-243-7140 |
| Jessica Baros | jessica.baros@scccd.edu | 559-243-7142 |
You are encouraged to contribute to the public forum process. You may provide feedback on finalists after viewing the forums through the survey link provided below. The survey link will be available after the forums through 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 24.
Dalex Hunt, Ed.D., is an equity-minded, student success-driven leader committed to transformational change in higher education. As a first-generation college graduate, he attributes his career path to that formative experience, earning an Associate's degree from Broward Community College, a Bachelor's from Florida Atlantic University, a Master’s from the University of Mississippi, and a Doctorate in Higher Education from Northeastern University. His early career at Miami Dade College included roles such as adjunct faculty, retention specialist, and Director of Student Life, where he developed inclusive programming for a diverse student body.
He went on to serve in leadership positions at Penn State University, Palm Beach State College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Solano Community College, and Yuba College, where he co-chaired equity councils and advanced student-centered initiatives. Currently, he serves as the Chief Student Affairs Officer and Senior Associate Dean of Students at the American University of Antigua College of Medicine, supporting students from across the globe while engaging with the local Antiguan community. Dr. Hunt believes colleges must be grounded in the needs of their communities and implement equity-centered strategies to help students achieve their academic and life goals.
Dr. Mark A. McKinney is a dedicated higher education administrator, currently serving as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Retention Services at Pasco Hernando State College and is married to Dr. Urshela Wiggins-McKinney. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, particularly for underrepresented populations, by leading data-driven retention programs that increased graduation rates. Previously, as Assistant Dean for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, he focused on enhancing student engagement and persistence.
Dr. McKinney’s extensive background includes curriculum development, faculty support, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within academic settings. A decorated veteran, Dr. McKinney served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, earning the Bronze Star Medal for his leadership in overseeing healthcare operations and logistics. With seven adult children, his diverse experiences in academic leadership and military service have cultivated a unique perspective and a deep commitment to institutional effectiveness and equitable student outcomes.
Dr. Melissa Menendez is a proud descendant of Mexican and Guatemalan undocumented immigrants. In 2006, she was both the first in her family to graduate with a Ph.D. and hired as an English instructor at Santa Barbara City College. As the Director of two Title V Hispanic Serving Institution grants, her collaboration with students, classified professionals, faculty, managers, and administrators resulted in the creation of ¡Raíces: First Year and Beyond! a student empowerment program that strives to cultivate thriving scholars through culturally affirming advising, academic counseling, peer mentoring, programming, and courses taught by faculty who participate in the Raíces Faculty Institute which she also co-designed and co-facilitates.
To honor the sacrifices and resilience of her ancestors, she is deeply committed to the success of historically minoritized and marginalized students and thus manifesting educational spaces of liberation that celebrate and affirm diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within higher education. As a result of her campus leadership and advocacy, in 2024, she received the Academic Senate for California Community College’s Hayward Award, Excellence in Education and the South Santa Barbara County Leader of the Year Award from The Future Leaders of America.
Gurminder Sangha is a visionary leader committed to student success, workforce development, and economic growth in the Central Valley. As Dean of Educational Services and Pathway Effectiveness at the West Fresno Center, he collaborates with administrators, faculty, classified professionals, and the community to expand equitable educational opportunities for students.
His journey began in Madera as a farmworker before pursuing higher education at Madera Community College Center in 1997 and earning an Electrical Engineering degree and MBA from Fresno State. After serving as a civilian in the U.S. Navy and working in the manufacturing industry, he transitioned to higher education to strengthen workforce pathways in 2014. He has led regional and statewide initiatives in advanced manufacturing and co-founded the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance (SJVMA), and the South Valley Industrial Collaborative (SVIC) to bridge education and industry. For over a decade, he has fostered collaboration between higher education, industry, and K-12 partners to prepare students for high-demand careers. Gurminder’s personal and professional journey exemplifies the transformative power of education, aligning with Madera Community College’s mission to empower students and uplift communities.
Traci Simmons (she, her, hers), currently serves as the Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Mt. Hood Community College. Former roles include Dean of Student Development and Associate Dean of Student Development at Portland Community College. She holds an Associate degree (PCC), Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences and Community Health Education, with a minor in Sociology (PSU), and a Masters of Education, Educational Leadership (Concordia University-Portland).
Traci, a proud community college grad, shows up in the world and the work with a deep commitment to justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She centers the lived experiences of students to advance equitable success. She uses her voice as a catalyst to change the narrative about students and their needs. Traci has a strong background in transforming institutions for equity and justice from the early stages of strategic planning to implementation and evaluation.
