Office of the President

Dr. Cynthia Olivo is the 12th president of Fullerton College. Having begun her appointment in January 2023, her career in higher education spans nearly three decades.

Before joining Fullerton College, she was the Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Student Services, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Counseling and Student Success Services at Pasadena City College. She was also at California State University, San Bernardino as Associate Director of Admissions and Student Recruitment. 

A proud granddaughter of migrant farmworkers, the daughter of a single mother, a first-generation college student and third-generation Chicana, her leadership is deeply informed through an empathetic and equity-driven approach.

She is also the President of the Chief Student Services Officer Association and President of the California Community College Organización de Latinx Guidance, Empowerment and Advocacy for Success (COLEGAS). She is also a founding member of The Coalition, an organization that includes African American Male Education Network and Development (A²MEND) and Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education (APAHE). In addition, she was a member on the Jobs for the Future Policy and Leadership Trust in Washington D.C. and on the Executive Board for National Community College Hispanic Council.

Dr. Olivo holds a Ph.D. in education with an emphasis in urban leadership from Claremont Graduate University, as well as a Master of Science in counseling and guidance and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from California State University, San Bernardino.