Dr. Rey Rivera has another award to hang on his wall. The Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) President was recently recognized with Phi Theta Kappa’s Paragon Award for New Presidents. The award recognizes new college presidents for their outstanding support of student success.
Dr. Rivera, who is one of 22 college presidents to receive the award this year, has been leading EMCC since July 1, 2019. For three years prior to that, he served as the college’s Vice President of Learning. The first-generation college student also spent 15 years as a full-time EMCC mathematics faculty member during which he served two terms as the college’s Faculty Senate President.
“I truly appreciated being nominated for this award as it reflects all the hard work of our faculty, staff, and students,” Dr. Rivera said. “I accept this award on their behalf.”
Rivera was nominated by students in EMCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Beta Alpha Xi, but Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, PTK Honor Society President and CEO, stressed that the award is about commitment to the success of all students.
“They know he is working hard to provide them more opportunities and stronger pathways to completion, transfer, and employment — even amid a global pandemic,” Dr. Tincher-Ladner said.
The award will be presented during PTK Catalyst 2021, the Society’s annual convention, broadcast live April 8-10.