Name: Paula Pando
Job Title: President
Institution: Reynolds Community College (VA)
Since: 2018
Previous Positions: Senior Vice President for Student and Educational Services, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Dean of Students, Hudson County Community College (16 years); Director of Campus Activities and Programs, Saint Peter’s University.
Affiliations and/or Boards: Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (CEP) Rising Presidents Fellowship (2017); Aspen CEP Alumni Council; Achieving the Dream (ATD) Network College; AACC Presidents Academy Executive Committee (2019-22).
State Engagement: Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond Board of Directors; Chamber RVA Board of Directors; The Valentine Museum Trustee; Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities State Board Member; Council of Presidents Member; State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) General Professional Advisory Council (GPAC).
Past AACC Conventions Attended: 2023, 2022, 2021, and more since 2003; presented sessions at most AACC conferences.
Past AACC Professional Development Participation: AACC Presidents Academy Summer Institute (2019, 2022, 2023); AACC Future Presidents Institute Presenter; AACC John E. Roueche Future Leaders Institute Presenter.
Education: Ed.D., Community College Leadership, Rowan University; M.A., Education Administration, St. Peter’s University; B.A., Studies in the Arts, Stockton University.
Other: Growing up in an immigrant family and community informs how I view the world, how I lead, and why I believe community colleges are the most important institutions of higher education in the world. Community colleges provide Americans a shot at the American Dream. My parents are proof of that.