Patricia Menchaca, who attended Palomar College in the late 1990s, becomes the institution\u2019s newest academic dean.<\/p>\n
SAN MARCOS \u2014 As a first-generation college student, Patricia Menchaca came to Palomar College in her early 20s seeking a place where she could thrive. English was her second language, and she found her academic home at Palomar, commuting from Temecula to take part in campus life in San Marcos.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did not do well in my first two years at a different college\u2014because I didn\u2019t belong there,\u201d she recalled. \u201cI needed to find a place that was more diverse and more community-based, and that place was Palomar. It was, indeed, everything I needed\u2014it was diverse not only in students, but also in faculty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, as Palomar\u2019s new Dean of Math, Science & Engineering, Menchaca is back at the college\u2014only this time, as one of the educators.<\/p>\n
Before coming to Palomar in June, Menchaca spent eight years at Crafton Hills College, where she was the STEM Coordinator. The academic division she now leads at Palomar College is one of the largest, training students in everything from general education courses like mathematics to advanced science and technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re excited to have Patricia join us as an academic leader at Palomar College,\u201d said Interim Superintendent\/President Dr. Jack Kahn. \u201cMath, Science & Engineering is a flagship division for this institution, and I\u2019m confident she will further the great work being done by the students and faculty.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a college student, Menchaca transferred from Palomar to the University of California, Riverside (UCR), where she earned her bachelor\u2019s degree in Anthropology and Geology, then earned a master\u2019s in Soil & Water Science.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy vision was really to stay in academia, but also to work at a place where I could advance student engagement, participation, and help close the equity gap,\u201d she said. \u201cI wanted a collaborative environment, where everybody works together and has a common goal. That environment exists at Palomar\u2014the passion for students, the innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n
In her first weeks at Palomar, Menchaca has faced the extraordinary challenge of leading a division that includes many of the hands-on labs that have been suspended due to the COVID-19 health crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think anyone would disagree with the fact that, in order to become a scientist, you really need the hands-on experience. You need to handle three-dimensional objects to apply the skills that you\u2019re learning,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
But she\u2019s been impressed with the innovative approaches created by Palomar\u2019s faculty to meet many of those needs virtually: \u201cOur faculty has been really creative in finding ways to replace the face-to-face instruction,\u201d she said. \u201cThey\u2019re working day and night to make it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even starting her position in a remote-work arrangement due to the same conditions, Menchaca said that joining Palomar has felt like a homecoming of sorts.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m back at the same place where I started my academic career, which I think is great,\u201d she said. \u201cI know what the college has to offer, and I get to be a part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"