Retain Proven Leadership for Student Success at SAC
96 Comments
R
Roxzel Soto
19 hr ago
It’s important to retain managers that follow shared governance. It cost less to help employees improve via progressive discipline. Recently HR has been very punative towards employees.
P
Pete Maddox
19 hr ago
Unfortunately, student success is not the primary mission of this administration, and the Board of Trustees seems not to want to be bothered with these matters. Perhaps it's time for the faculty and staff to mobilize once again, as they did in the 1980's and throw the bums out. This district needs new leadership that will hold the administration accountable and put the focus back on student success.
R
Rodrigo Marcos Ramirez
22 hr ago
As Dean of Counseling, Dr. Dela Cruz has been instrumental in advancing the development and establishment of co-curricular programs at Santa Ana College. Her leadership and strategic collaboration ensured students access to counseling services and resources that is needed to persist and thrive.
Under her guidance, the Undocu-Scholars, U2 Scholars, and APSP Programs achieved a retention rate of 90% or higher between the Fall of 2024 and Speing 2025.
K
Kristin Ellsworth
3 days ago
Dr. Maria Dela Cruz has been instrumental in creating a positive and professional environment in the SAC Counseling Department. She truly cares about students and staff/faculty at SAC. It has been a joy getting to collaborate with her and between our departments under her leadership. I respectfully ask District leadership to reconsider not renewing her contract, it would be a huge detriment to lose a leader like Dr. Dela Cruz.
D
David Galazyn
8 days ago
Counseling at SAC.
A
Adriana Badillo
8 days ago
It’s been a pleasure to work collaboratively with Dr. Dela Cruz to support the Santa Ana community.
C
Claire Coyne
9 days ago
As faculty, I have worked alongside Maria on efforts expanding opportunities for students; in faculty leadership, we have worked through Guided Pathways, Student Equity, and other college initiatives. Maria is thoughtful, collaborative, student-centered, & supportive of constituent’s voices & participatory governance. She listens, engages in difficult conversations, & works with faculty toward solutions centered on students. Nearly a decade of service and leadership should matter.
J
Jane Mathis
9 days ago
Dr Maria DeLa Cruz is an exceptional leader at Santa Ana College. Her dedication to our students and ability to bring people together has strengthened our division and our campus community. I was fortunate to work closely with her as a division co-chair and appreciated her ability to listen, communicate effectively and create a supportive environment. We need strong advocates that are willing to speak the truth and fight for what is right without fear of losing their employment.
M
Micki Bryant
10 days ago
I helped to hire Maria and worked with her when I was Dean of Counseling and she was the Associate Dean, prior to my retirement. I always found Maria to be a compassionate advocate for students' needs, and a colleague who was always willing to collaborate with others throughout campus to create and support programs and services that benefitted student success, fulfilling the fundamental mission of Santa Ana College. Her dedication and high-quality of service have made her an excellent leader.
D
dae keuk Hu
12 days ago
I'd like to learn leadership and want to speak well English.
C
Crystal Castillo
12 days ago
Center for Coastal Marine Sciences / Marine Sciences Outreach Coordinator / California Polytechnic State University.
I first met Dr. Maria Dela Cruz as a student at Santa Ana College (2013), where she was always supportive and encouraging. I later worked with her during the Alaska Climate Change Research Intensive (2026) and saw firsthand her continued dedication to students. Her impact extends far beyond Counseling, and I strongly support her continued work.
P
Paula Kincaid
12 days ago
Dr. Dela Cruz is an excellent leader who is kind, effective, competent, and equity minded. Please reconsider your decision and renew her contract.
J
Jose Meza
13 days ago
Student supporting Dr. Dela cruz
A
Annette Bui
18 days ago
Counseling Faculty-In support of Dr. Maria Dela Cruz!
L
Luigy Alvarado
20 days ago
As a mechanical engineering student involved throughout various programs on campus including MESA, EOPS, Promise, a member of U2, APSP, Thrive Center and more.Now a student staff for one of our affinity centers here on campus, the Undocuscholars center, I strongly advocate for renewal of Dr. Maria Dela Cruz’s contract. With her prestigious legacy, incredible integrity and outstanding impact she leads here at SAC with all the programs, I know I speak for many when I say this, RENEW HER CONTRACT!!
J
Jazmin Hurtado
25 days ago
I strongly support Dr. Maria de la Cruz and respectfully ask the Board of Trustees to reconsider its decision. Dr. De la Cruz is one of the strongest, most ethical, fair, and student-centered leaders I have had the privilege of working with; she leads with integrity, equity, and compassion while serving as an important bridge between faculty, shared governance, students, and the college community. As an adjunct counselor, I have always felt valued, heard, and supported under her leadership.
P
Paula Canzona
28 days ago
Maria is a professional and strong leader. She demonstrates genuine care for our students, colleagues, and the college, and leads with integrity and commitment.
T
Thon Vanderz
1 month ago
Maria Dela Cruz is an absolute pillar of support for our students at Santa Ana College. Her tireless dedication, patience, and genuine care for student success make a lasting impact every single day. SAC is truly fortunate to have her advocating for our community!
M
Monica Zarske
1 month ago
I believe in her unwavering dedication and support of students as well as her committment to collaboration and supportive working relationships.
J
Johnny Torres
1 month ago
After eight years of incarceration, my re-entry journey into higher education was filled with fear and uncertainty. Meeting Dr. De La Cruz transformed that experience. Through her compassion, mentorship, and leadership, she helped me rebuild my trust in academia, leadership, and others. I deeply admire and appreciate her impact on my life, and I hope to one day become the kind of compassionate and courageous leader she has shown me is possible.
It’s important to retain managers that follow shared governance. It cost less to help employees improve via progressive discipline. Recently HR has been very punative towards employees.
Unfortunately, student success is not the primary mission of this administration, and the Board of Trustees seems not to want to be bothered with these matters. Perhaps it's time for the faculty and staff to mobilize once again, as they did in the 1980's and throw the bums out. This district needs new leadership that will hold the administration accountable and put the focus back on student success.
As Dean of Counseling, Dr. Dela Cruz has been instrumental in advancing the development and establishment of co-curricular programs at Santa Ana College. Her leadership and strategic collaboration ensured students access to counseling services and resources that is needed to persist and thrive. Under her guidance, the Undocu-Scholars, U2 Scholars, and APSP Programs achieved a retention rate of 90% or higher between the Fall of 2024 and Speing 2025.
Dr. Maria Dela Cruz has been instrumental in creating a positive and professional environment in the SAC Counseling Department. She truly cares about students and staff/faculty at SAC. It has been a joy getting to collaborate with her and between our departments under her leadership. I respectfully ask District leadership to reconsider not renewing her contract, it would be a huge detriment to lose a leader like Dr. Dela Cruz.
Counseling at SAC.
It’s been a pleasure to work collaboratively with Dr. Dela Cruz to support the Santa Ana community.
As faculty, I have worked alongside Maria on efforts expanding opportunities for students; in faculty leadership, we have worked through Guided Pathways, Student Equity, and other college initiatives. Maria is thoughtful, collaborative, student-centered, & supportive of constituent’s voices & participatory governance. She listens, engages in difficult conversations, & works with faculty toward solutions centered on students. Nearly a decade of service and leadership should matter.
Dr Maria DeLa Cruz is an exceptional leader at Santa Ana College. Her dedication to our students and ability to bring people together has strengthened our division and our campus community. I was fortunate to work closely with her as a division co-chair and appreciated her ability to listen, communicate effectively and create a supportive environment. We need strong advocates that are willing to speak the truth and fight for what is right without fear of losing their employment.
I helped to hire Maria and worked with her when I was Dean of Counseling and she was the Associate Dean, prior to my retirement. I always found Maria to be a compassionate advocate for students' needs, and a colleague who was always willing to collaborate with others throughout campus to create and support programs and services that benefitted student success, fulfilling the fundamental mission of Santa Ana College. Her dedication and high-quality of service have made her an excellent leader.
I'd like to learn leadership and want to speak well English.
Center for Coastal Marine Sciences / Marine Sciences Outreach Coordinator / California Polytechnic State University. I first met Dr. Maria Dela Cruz as a student at Santa Ana College (2013), where she was always supportive and encouraging. I later worked with her during the Alaska Climate Change Research Intensive (2026) and saw firsthand her continued dedication to students. Her impact extends far beyond Counseling, and I strongly support her continued work.
Dr. Dela Cruz is an excellent leader who is kind, effective, competent, and equity minded. Please reconsider your decision and renew her contract.
Student supporting Dr. Dela cruz
Counseling Faculty-In support of Dr. Maria Dela Cruz!
As a mechanical engineering student involved throughout various programs on campus including MESA, EOPS, Promise, a member of U2, APSP, Thrive Center and more.Now a student staff for one of our affinity centers here on campus, the Undocuscholars center, I strongly advocate for renewal of Dr. Maria Dela Cruz’s contract. With her prestigious legacy, incredible integrity and outstanding impact she leads here at SAC with all the programs, I know I speak for many when I say this, RENEW HER CONTRACT!!
I strongly support Dr. Maria de la Cruz and respectfully ask the Board of Trustees to reconsider its decision. Dr. De la Cruz is one of the strongest, most ethical, fair, and student-centered leaders I have had the privilege of working with; she leads with integrity, equity, and compassion while serving as an important bridge between faculty, shared governance, students, and the college community. As an adjunct counselor, I have always felt valued, heard, and supported under her leadership.
Maria is a professional and strong leader. She demonstrates genuine care for our students, colleagues, and the college, and leads with integrity and commitment.
Maria Dela Cruz is an absolute pillar of support for our students at Santa Ana College. Her tireless dedication, patience, and genuine care for student success make a lasting impact every single day. SAC is truly fortunate to have her advocating for our community!
I believe in her unwavering dedication and support of students as well as her committment to collaboration and supportive working relationships.
After eight years of incarceration, my re-entry journey into higher education was filled with fear and uncertainty. Meeting Dr. De La Cruz transformed that experience. Through her compassion, mentorship, and leadership, she helped me rebuild my trust in academia, leadership, and others. I deeply admire and appreciate her impact on my life, and I hope to one day become the kind of compassionate and courageous leader she has shown me is possible.