Vice President of Instruction

Dr. James Ortez

Dr. Ortez has been with the Clovis family since 2017 serving as the first permanent Dean of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Athletics for the College. He has over three decades of equity-driven higher education leadership and administrative experience. He has been responsible for enrollment management and strategic planning for CCC’s largest division; served as the administrative lead for Guided Pathways; chaired the UP-Program Planning committee; has written grants in support of Education pathways, k-16 initiatives, and AB 705 efforts; guided partnerships with Valley four-year institutions; led dual enrollment efforts; and supported the establishment and continued development of Athletics to provide further opportunities for our Valley student-athletes to continue their education and build on their craft. Prior to CCC, he was a founding member of UC Merced, where he served as the first Assistant and Associate Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. In addition to helping shape curriculum and policy, he oversaw the School’s Student Services, including academic advising, outreach and recruitment. He also served 10 years in Administration at the University of Washington, which included co-chairing the University’s Decennial Accreditation, being responsible for Program Review, and creating the Mentoring Athletes Program. He received his BA in Psychology and Sociology from Columbia University, an MPA in Organization and Management and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Washington.

James was born and raised in Madera, in a single parent home and has always worked to support his family. He is a student-centered, equity-driven educator who thrives on empowering students, faculty, and staff to be creative and break down barriers. James is inspired by his wife Lorey, a small business owner, and his 3 children - Hunter, a second year Sociology doctoral student at UC Merced; and the twins, Satchel and Ella, seniors at University High School. He also likes sneakers and the color purple.