On December 21, 2022, a statement from the office of former Interim President Dr. Monte Perez was issued to all Fullerton College faculty that Vice President of Administrative Services, Rodrigo Garcia, took a leave of absence from his position.

Garcia first started his relationship with the North Orange County Community College District as an auditor working for a Certified Public Accounting firm. Over time, he obtained a job working as part of the district’s management team. This led him to being introduced to former FC President Greg Shultz whom he worked closely with and grew to have a good relationship.

Being drawn to Fullerton College by Shultz and his newfound insight into education, he applied for the job title of Vice President of Administrative Services in which the NOCCCD board voted unanimously on Garcia on March 14, 2017.

As of now, the reason(s) for which he left his position are unknown to both the students and staff of the campus. When asked on this subject by The Hornet, newly elected President Dr. Cynthia Olivo commented on the matter by issuing a statement to us that reads:

“As of Wednesday, December 21, 2022, the Vice President of Administrative Services, Rodrigo Garcia, is out of the office on leave. Personnel matters are confidential, and we cannot comment further. We have a solid team of managers and classified professionals across the Administrative Services Division who are ensuring that operations of the college continue smoothly. Any questions related to department matters in finances, contracts, and facilities may be directed to [email protected], and the inquiries will be routed to the appropriate person.”

The administrators that will be taking over for Garcia while he is out on leave consists of Olivo and former NOCCCD Interim Chancellor Fred Williams, who has been selected in helping to oversee Garcia’s position.