Riverside City College Appoints Thomas Cruz-Soto as Interim Vice President of Student Services

Riverside City College (RCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Cruz-Soto, Ed.D., as the Interim Vice President of Student Services, effective October 16. Cruz-Soto, a long-standing leader at RCC, has a proven track record in advancing student success and fostering a strong campus community.

Most recently, he served as Dean of Student Services, overseeing key student programs such as EOP&S/CARE, Veterans Services, and the Guardian Scholars program. Under his leadership, these programs have thrived, contributing significantly to student achievement and institutional growth.

In 2022-2023, he served as Interim Vice President of Student Services, where he led strategic initiatives and supported program development to enhance student services. His leadership ensured that RCC’s student support systems remained strong, inclusive, and impactful.

Cruz-Soto brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to the role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a Minor in Latin American Studies from Muhlenberg College, a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration, and a doctoral degree in Education Leadership from Rowan University.

As a first-generation college graduate from Camden, New Jersey, Dr. Cruz-Soto has a personal connection to the challenges faced by underrepresented students. His experiences have fueled his commitment to ensuring equitable access to higher education, and he has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

In addition to his work on campus, he has established strong partnerships with community organizations such as the NAACP Riverside and Latino Network, further enhancing RCC’s role in supporting students and fostering meaningful community relationships.

For more information on Thomas Cruz-Soto’s background and achievements, you can read his full biography here.