\u201cI\u2019m truly honored,\u201d said Dr. Olivo, \u201cFullerton College is a historic institution that has changed the lives of generations of students \u2014 many from communities like the one I grew up in. I am the granddaughter of campesinos and the daughter of a single mother who found her path through community college.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dr. Olivo\u2019s leadership advances the goals in our college to ensure every student feels a sense of belonging.\u00a0<\/p>\n She has elevated efforts in the college Student Equity Plan,\u00a0establishing\u00a0two new shared governance groups \u2014 the\u00a0Hispanic Serving-Institution (HSI)\u00a0Transformation Team and the North Star Committee \u2014 to guide the college\u2019s work in improving\u00a0equity-based\u00a0practices and strengthening effectiveness as an HSI\u00a0and emerging Black-Serving institution\u00a0(BSI). She also\u00a0implemented the African American Male Education Network and Development Charter Organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n Dr. Olivo also secured a\u00a0$4 million-dollar\u00a0Samueli grant to fund undergraduate research opportunities for transfer students in STEM and\u00a0established\u00a0a center to house\u00a0other\u00a0experiential learning opportunities such as fellowships and internships for students in every program. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n She also worked collaboratively with faculty leaders to support the first Bachelor\u2019s degree program at Fullerton College in\u00a0Drone Technology<\/a>, set to begin in Fall 2026.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Under Dr. Olivo\u2019s leadership,\u00a0Fullerton College has also completed five major capital construction projects in the past three years, including two new buildings, one historic building renovation, the district\u2019s first solar panel installation and a new central chiller plant.\u00a0Additional\u00a0projects currently underway include a renovated softball field in 2027, the new Performing Arts Center scheduled for completion in\u00a02028\u00a0and a new Vocational STEM building in development.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n She\u00a0has made historic hiring decisions\u00a0for\u00a0the most diverse group of faculty, staff and administrators and is thankful to the campus community, our external partners and everyone who supports the college to help make\u00a0all\u00a0this possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n In the spring 2026\u00a0semester, she officially launched the college\u2019s 2025-29 strategic plan,\u00a0\u00a1Adelante!<\/a>, which aims to\u00a0increase access\u00a0to\u00a0equity,\u00a0support\u00a0and success.\u00a0She is also\u00a0hard\u00a0at work establishing a\u00a0high functioning\u00a0Foundation\u00a0and\u00a0hopes to\u00a0implement a\u00a0successful\u00a0bond campaign geared toward improving the college\u2019s facilities and infrastructure.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cLeading a campus that reflects the diversity, resilience and brilliance of our community means everything to me,\u201d said Dr. Olivo. \u201cThis recognition belongs to the students, faculty and staff who show up every day committed to expanding opportunity and transforming lives through education.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-06-at-2.39.00-PM-1024x675.png\")
<\/a>Dr. Olivo poses with President of Cypress College, Dr. Scott Thayer, Chief Communications Officer at NOCCCD Kai Stearns Davis and President of Cosumnes River College Dr. Edward C. Bush after an empowering Black History Month event that invited students to\u00a0feel\u00a0inspired,\u00a0motivated\u00a0and\u00a0appreciated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Dr. Olivo helps a student find their way\u00a0around\u00a0campus during the first week of the\u00a0spring 2026\u00a0semester.\u00a0While the beginning of\u00a0a\u00a0semester can be challenging for many,\u00a0Dr. Olivo makes it her mission to comfort students and serve\u00a0them\u00a0at different capacities.<\/p>\n