Gateway Community and Technical College welcomes its new president to his first day on the job Monday.
Dr. Fernando Figueroa was named Gateway’s new president in May. He was previously a vice chancellor in the Dallas Community College System.
“We welcome Dr. Figueroa to our community with open arms. Dallas’s loss is our gain,” said Jeff Groob, chair of the Gateway Board of Directors. “Our goal is to make Gateway the #1 community college in Kentucky within five years. With clear eyes, full hearts, and Dr. Figueroa’s leadership, we can’t lose.”
“It’s an honor to be asked to lead such an exceptional team of folks committed to student success,” said Figueroa. “I believe great days are ahead for Gateway and the community we serve. On a personal note, Debbie and I just want everyone to know how appreciative we are for the warm welcoming we have received.”
“On behalf of the Foundation we welcome Dr. Figueroa to Gateway and Northern Kentucky. The Foundation stands ready to partner with him to support the students and staff at Gateway,” stated Jim Parsons, chair of the Gateway Foundation. “We are excited to be part of this new chapter in the development of Gateway and its critical mission of preparing students to have a better life, and to meet the workplace needs of the region.”
Dr. Figueroa has served students in higher education for 23 years from classroom instruction to all aspects of administration.
Most recently, as vice chancellor for educational policy at Dallas County Community College in Texas, Dr. Figueroa worked to develop and expand dual credit and early college pathways, competency based education, student success initiatives and partnerships for workforce and economic development. As provost/vice president of instruction and student services at Del Mar College, he aligned academic and student services to ensure student success.
A native of New Orleans, Dr. Figueroa appreciates a good Café Au Lait and a great Rock n Roll riff. He enjoys playing guitar, and recording and publishing his own music. Other favorite past times include writing and collecting fountain pens because he believes writing is art in itself. Dr. Figueroa and his wife Debbie, a professional artist, share four children, three grandchildren, and two pets.
Dr. Figueroa holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in English from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is the permanent replacement for Dr. Ed Hughes, who served as president and CEO of Gateway from its 2001 founding until last fall when he stepped down. Two interim presidents served the school until Figueroa was hired.
The community will have many opportunities to meet Dr. Figueroa. The first of which is the Partners for Industry breakfast co-sponsored by VonLehman Company and Gateway, on Wednesday, August 3 from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. in the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at the Boone Campus, 500 Technology Way, Florence. There is no charge for this event, and it is open to the public. For more information or to register, visit www.vlcpa.com.
-Staff report
Photo: Fernando Figueroa (provided)
