SALINAS VALLEY — Hartnell College has appointed Ana González as the new Dean of South County Education Centers and Online Learning.
González previously served as the director of Hartnell’s Soledad Education Center, where she played a key role in establishing the Distance Education Hub at the King City Education Center. She also significantly expanded the Rising Scholars Program, which supports currently and formerly incarcerated justice-impacted students.
According to Hartnell, one of her significant contributions was opening a dedicated Rising Scholars student center at the college’s main campus in Salinas.
González also led the Adult Education program at Hartnell, where she developed strategies to help nontraditional students, including English language learners, succeed across five campuses.
“Ana González is a dedicated educational leader committed to advancing access and equity in education for underserved communities,” stated the college.
As Dean of South County Education Centers, González will oversee student services, such as recruitment, enrollment and academic support, ensuring students have the resources and guidance to succeed.
González is a first-generation college graduate from a farm-working family in the Salinas Valley, and her educational journey was made possible through the Migrant Program.
She holds a Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University, graduating with high honors, and a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Stanford University, with honors certification in Latin American studies.
“Ana’s success is built on her ability to forge collaborative partnerships with community organizations and agencies to foster inclusive educational opportunities,” according to the college.
Beyond her roles at Hartnell, González actively participates in community-led committees and boards, including the Ventana Wildlife Society and the Monterey County Parenting Connection.
Joining González as new deans this year are Mohammed Yahdi, who will serve as the Dean of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and Juan Carlos González, who will assume the newly established role of Dean of Career Technical Education (CTE) and Workforce Development.
All three officially began their positions at Hartnell on Jan. 6, with each bringing a wealth of experience, dedication and leadership to the institution.
“These appointments reflect the college’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative and accessible academic programs that empower a diverse student body,” stated Hartnell.
