New leaders take helm at San Jac

San Jacinto College has welcomed several leaders into key roles while continuing to focus on student success, workforce preparation, and community impact.

Dr. Alexander Okwonna was appointed the deputy chancellor and College president following the August 2026 retirement of Dr. Laurel Williamson, who served San Jac since 2007. Okwonna has spent 21 years with the College and most recently served as the North Campus provost.

Dr. Alexander Okwonna

Dr. Laura Bettencourt was named the new North Campus provost, bringing more than 20 years of community college leadership experience. Dr. Rhonda Bell, a longtime San Jac educator and administrator, now serves as the Central Campus provost, while Dr. Christopher Wild leads the Generation Park Campus after more than 15 years with the College.

The San Jacinto College Foundation also welcomed Dr. Samantha Miro as executive director. With 15 years of higher education leadership experience, Miro leads fundraising, donor stewardship, and scholarship support.

Together, these leaders bring extensive experience in education, workforce development, philanthropy, and student success as San Jac advances its work across the community.