Mark W. Rocha

Dr. Mark W. Rocha
Born	(1953-08-29) August 29, 1953 Bronx, New York
Alma mater	Bachelors, Villanova University Master degree, California State University, Fullerton Ph.D., University of Southern California
Occupation(s)	President/Superintendent Pasadena City College
Spouse	Nancy Rocha

Mark W. Rocha (born August 29, 1953) in the Bronx, New York. Rocha, is a past recipient of the J. William Fulbright Fellowship, an English teacher, and Literature aficionado. He is the Superintendent-President of Pasadena City College.

Early life and Career

Rocha was raised in the Bronx, New York. Rocha is one of three brothers. His father, William,a native of Columbia, was the first in his family to receive a college degree. He earned his bachelors degree in English from Villanova University in 1975, his master's degree from California State University, Fullerton, and Ph.D in English from the University of Southern California. In 1994, Rocha was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship and taught for a year in Caracas, Venezuela at the Universidad Simon Bolivar. His scholarly work focused on American Theater, including playwrights such as August Wilson and Tennessee Williams.

During the 1970's, Rocha had the opportunity to work in the community college system. Rocha served as president of West Los Angeles College. Under his leadership, West Los Angeles College was recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the nation's "Great Colleges to Work For." In addition, West Los Angeles College had a majority minority, the largest minority of African-Americans in the California Community College system, and was one of the top transfer feeder schools to the Cal State system

At Pasadena City College, Dr. Rocha has positioned Pasadena City College as a truly global community college for the 21st century. Under his leadership, PCC was recently recognized for its efforts to close the achievement gap, winning the 2012 State Chancellor's Award for Student Success for its innovate that has significantly increased student retention. Of the 2,000 community colleges in the United States, Pasadena City College is in the top 100 in every category for associate degrees awarded, and is ranked eighth in the nation as a "Veterans Friendly College" among all community colleges. The PCC Foundation has raised over $7 million in private donations for student scholarships and has awarded over $26 million in external grants. On Dr. Rocha's watch, associate degrees in STEM field have doubled and the college completed a state of the art facility, the PCC Center for the Arts, the capstone project of a $175 million bond construction program.

Rocha's commitment to the community college mission is evident by his commitment to admit the "top 100 percent." "We take Everybody who shows up and help them on their way."

PCC has a rich history of social action. innovation, transforming the lives of students and inspiring them to seek their dreams.

Rocha publicly spoke out against Proposition 187 which restricted the rights of undocumented individuals to get an education. As a result, undocumented students are allowed to take community college courses<ref="Hispanic Outlook"></ref>

In 2012, the PACCD Board of Trustees extended Rocha's contract as PCC's superintendent-president, through the end of the 2016 academic year.

In January 2012, Rocha was interviewed by Brad Pomerance on a HLN special edition broadcast.

Personal life

Rocha resides in Pasadena with his wife Nancy and they have two adult sons. An avid runner, Rocha has completed 11 marathons, including the inaugural Pasadena Marathon in 2009.