MESA, Arizona — Nov. 12, 2025 — Cesar Becerra, Ed.D., Mesa Community College Career Engagement/Industry Connection and Student Services manager, has completed the yearlong  Dr. Ted Martinez Jr. National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC) Leadership Fellows Program.

The NCCHC Leadership Fellows Program prepares aspiring leaders for executive-level roles in higher education, including a community college dean, vice president and president. The program provides participants with advanced leadership training, mentoring and professional development to strengthen their ability to promote student success in diverse learning environments.

“I’m honored to have been selected for this fellowship and look forward to continuing to learn from distinguished community college leaders from across the country,” said Becerra. “The program’s focus on leadership excellence and student success directly aligns with my commitment to reach my full potential and bring communities together to seek scholarship, knowledge and personal growth.” 

As a member of the 2024–2025 Fellows cohort, Becerra engaged in a yearlong professional development experience that included two residential seminars—one held in conjunction with the NCCHC Annual Symposium in Fall 2024 and another in Spring 2025 culminating with an official pinning ceremony and introduction as a new NCCHC Fellow during the Concilio Leadership Symposium, hosted by NCCHC, on Sept. 25, 2025 in Long Beach, Calif.

The fellowship also included individualized executive mentoring. Each fellow is paired with a senior-level community college executive who serves as a mentor throughout the year, helping them develop a personalized career plan and expand their professional network. His mentor is NCCHC Fellow Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover, president of Southeast College in Houston, Texas. 

“Guiding Cesar through his leadership journey has been a privilege. His commitment to growth and community reflects the very best of what higher education can achieve—leaders who lead with purpose, compassion and a vision for transformative student success,” said Houston City College-Southeast President, Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover.

“Cesar’s achievement demonstrates how investing in professional development strengthens our ability to help students succeed,” said MCC President, Dr. Richard Daniel. “As our employees grow and develop as leaders, they bring new ideas, fresh perspectives and creative energy to their work, enhancing the overall student experience which leads to successful institutional outcomes.”

Since its inception, the NCCHC Leadership Fellows Program has developed hundreds of leaders who now serve in senior administrative positions at community colleges nationwide. 

Visit ncchc.com for additional information about the NCCHC Leadership Fellows Program.

# # # 

Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.