AVONDALE, Arizona – Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) announced Jonathan Robles as the new Director of Alumni, Corporate and Foundation Relations. Beginning his position November 1, 2014, Robles’ will develop a formal alumni organization and focus on connections between EMCC alumni and the college.
Robles is no stranger to EMCC, higher education or the community. His tenure with EMCC began in 2009, as the college’s Title V Project Director. The student success initiatives, stemming from EMCC’s Learning College journey, were supported by Robles’ management of the $2.8 million federal grant.
“Jonathan has been an active member within the college environment and community programs,” stated Dr. Ernest Lara, President of EMCC. “He has developed dynamic relationships with faculty, staff and community members, providing connections and support for and between people. We are excited to have Jonathan, someone who is engaged with and cares about student success.”
Prior to EMCC, Robles served as the Director of the Office of Outreach and Multicultural Affairs at the University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine in Phoenix, initiating the Maricopa Med-Start summer high school health career and college exploration program. He established partnerships between community colleges, universities and health facilities across the state.
Robles also served as the Director of the Arizona Hispanic Center of Excellence, managing a $1.5 million Title VII grant program to increase the number of Hispanic medical students, faculty and researchers, building a strong background in healthcare workforce and education development. In the course of his grant writing and fundraising work, Robles generated more than $2 million for various organizations.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with the college’s alumni and developing a vital network of people and organizations that believe in our campus and the great things we are doing to increase the educational value we provide to our students and community,” said Robles.
Robles’ active involvement in community based efforts and organizations stems from a belief in quality health and education. He was a board member for Las Fuentes Health Clinic in Guadalupe, AZ, served on Aunt Rita’s Foundation, and has been a community representative for the Maricopa Integrated Health System Institutional Review Board.
Robles, an Arizona native, earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Public Health in Health Administration and Policy from the University of Arizona. He is a graduate of the Valle del Sol-West Hispanic Leadership Institute and a Fellow of the National Community College Hispanic Council Leadership Program.