President

Dr. Ernie Lara

Dr. Ernie Lara brings over 30-years of secondary and post-secondary experience to his role as President. His secondary experience includes working for the Phoenix Union High School District as a counselor and administrator. His post secondary experience includes working at Arizona State University, three of the Maricopa Community Colleges as a faculty member, student services program director, Division Chair, and Dean of Student Services.

Dr. Lara's extensive career reflects a commitment to student development and the community college mission. His experience includes: serving as a university veterans counselor, high school counselor in an alternative school, and at the community college he has served as a Director of a Learning Center and Special Services, counseling faculty / instructor, Division Chair of Counseling and student services. He has been employed at three of the Maricopa Colleges and has been a founding student services staff member of two of the newest colleges - Estrella Mountain and Paradise Valley. He came to Estrella Mountain in 1991 and served as the Chair for Counseling and Student services until he was appointed Dean of Student Services in 1998.

Dr. Lara is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Arizona Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the Society of College and University Planning. He was selected for the Outstanding MCCCD Employee Recognition Award sponsored by the Maricopa Community College Foundation in 2001, League for Innovation District Innovation of the Year winner for the One - Stop Student Services Model, and most recently the 2003 National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award.

Dr. Lara is a community college product, having received his associate degree from Glendale Community College (AZ). He holds a baccalaureate degree in History from Arizona State University, a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Masters of Counseling Degree from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. from Arizona State University from the Higher and Adult Education Program with an emphasis in Student Development. Dr. Lara has provided leadership for several of EMCC's career pathway programs that provide opportunity for at risk youth. These programs include inspire.teach and the NASA Center for success in Math & Science.

Dr. Lara is a community leader and is active in civic organizations including: Leadership West, Luke Air Force - Honorary Commanders Program, and the West Valley Hispanic Forum Youth Leadership Institute Advisory Board. Dr. Lara is a veteran and served with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He is married has 3 children and lives in the West Valley.

At a Glance:

• Over 30-years of higher education experience
• Began serving as President of Estrella Mountain in July 2007
• His post secondary experience includes working at Arizona State University and at three of the Maricopa Community Colleges
• Dr. Lara is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Arizona Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and the Society of College and University Planning.
• Dr. Lara is a community college product, having received his associate degree from Glendale Community College (AZ). He holds a baccalaureate degree in History from Arizona State University, a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling and a Masters of Counseling Degree from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. from Arizona State University from the Higher and Adult Education Program with an emphasis in Student Development.