Five new administrators have joined the leadership team at MiraCosta College, serving vital roles to help provide a high quality of education at the college.

“These administrators come with varying backgrounds and experience, but they all share a commitment to serving our students well,” said Sunita V. Cooke, Superintendent/President of MiraCosta College.

The administrators are:

Antonio Alarcón, Dean of Letters, Humanities, and Communication Studies. Alarcón joined MiraCosta College in July 2021, after working as dean of instructional services at the San Diego Community College District. He is responsible for leading several programs at the college, including English, English as a second language, history, philosophy, and religious studies; is in charge of the college’s Honors Program; and is site administrator for the San Elijo Campus.

Alarcón earned an associate degree at Antelope Valley College and a bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine. He earned a master’s degree from National University and is working on earning a doctorate in education from the American College of Education.

As a community college graduate—along with his brother and sister—Alarcón said he knows the value of starting higher education there. “I truly see the community college system as a way to get people where they want to be,” he said.

Justin Crast, Risk and Safety Manager. Crast began working at MiraCosta College in June 2021, his first position in higher education after holding similar jobs at Omni Hotels and Legoland. He has a bachelor’s degree from CSU San Marcos.

Crast is responsible for overseeing the District’s safety program and the varied required insurance and workers’ compensation programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Crast has been overseeing the District’s vaccine verification and exemption program.

Crast said he interacts with students and employees after they have been involved in an accident on campus and he makes sure they have the necessary treatment and insurance. “When bad things happen, my job is to try and help them find a positive way forward,” he said.

Ben Gamboa, Associate Dean of Career Education. Gamboa began working at MiraCosta College in January 2021, after serving as associate dean of strong workforce at San Diego Miramar College. He works with faculty in the career education disciplines to ensure that students and industry have the resources they need.

Gamboa attended Crafton Hills College and earned a bachelor’s degree from Regis University in Denver. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Redlands and is working on his doctorate in education from San Diego State University.

Gamboa said career education provides students with the training they need for well-paying and in-demand jobs. “I work in career education because I see how our programs change lives quickly,” he said. “Our programs provide opportunities for our most marginalized communities to have opportunities at companies that need workers desperately."

Kathy Rodriguez M.A, Director of Admissions and Records/Registrar. Rodriguez started at her new position in July 2021, after serving in other positions at the college, where she began working in 2007. Rodriguez handles enrollment and registration for the college and oversees issuing degrees and certificates along with student transcripts.

A first-generation college student who grew up in National City, Rodriguez attended MiraCosta College and earned an associate degree from Southwestern College while working there. She earned a bachelor’s degree from CSU San Marcos.

Rodriguez said her personal experience helps her understand the challenges that community college students face. “I know first-hand the struggles our students experience,” she said. “I work hard to remove as many barriers as we can for our students and to help them succeed and be successful.”

Terrence Shaw, Director of Student Life and Leadership and Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Shaw began working at MiraCosta College in October 2021. His job involves numerous aspects involving students, including student conduct, Title IX issues, advising student government, and planning commencement.

Before coming to MiraCosta, Shaw had been living in Mozambique and working remotely for Tufts University. He previously worked at Stanford University, University of Notre Dame, and the University of San Diego. Shaw earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University.

After a career spent working at four-year universities, Shaw’s job at MiraCosta is his first at a community college. “It’s been a learning experience, but I find the student population to be very similar to other students I’ve worked with,” he said. “My background helps me to care and support our students.”