Building bridges from MHCC to the rest of the community is all in a day’s work for Merced Flores, the new dean of Adult and High School Community Learning Programs.
Flores was appointed to fill the position on May 1, 2003, and after serving as the interim dean, the job was officially opened for applicants. Flores was confident that he was the right person for the job, and school officials agreed.
“I was very happy,” said Flores, “I was thrilled because I really enjoy working here.”
Flores’ responsibilities are many. He provides leadership and direction to many programs including Headstart, Project ES (an alternative education program), Early Collegiate Opportunities (lower division college credits which are available to high school students), and is the dean for Adult Basic Skills, which includes both the ESL and GED programs.
Flores is particularly proud of his efforts as the coach of the college’s diversity committee. This group consists of MHCC administrators, faculty and staff, and looks at the differences and accomplishments of various cultures and groups. The main focus is to provide the college with a welcoming environment for all. “It’s good for us to respect our differences,” said Flores.
When looking to the future, Flores has plenty of ideas. “I’d like to capitalize on our relationship with the high schools [in the area].” He added that sometimes high school isn’t for everyone, and he would like to see more options for high school students. He would like MHCC to “provide choices on circumstances,” and reach out to area schools to provide better opportunities such as distance learning and online courses.
Flores doesn’t want to stop with the high schools. “I see that we, as a college, need to reach out and develop more partnerships with our community. Community colleges are the best deal around.” Flores believes in Mt. Hood’s ability to be a “catalyst of change” which can “jumpstart this economy.”
Oregon’s school system is suffering from a budget crunch as the cost of K-12 education rises. Flores said higher teacher’s salaries, students with diverse backgrounds and more needs, buildings in need of repair, and the increased cost of benefits are the same problems all schools are facing. Students are dropping out, and high schools need to provide other options. When schools like David Douglas and Reynolds are too large for some students, “community colleges and universities need to take advantage,” said Flores. MHCC can provide many resources such as a high school diploma, summer and evening make-up courses and a GED.
As the dean, Flores has been doing lots of marketing in area high schools by letting people know about the opportunities available at MHCC. His goal is to increase the number of students on campus by shaking a lot of hands and having many face-to-face meetings.
Flores’ extensive background includes: high school teacher, state official, and working on various programs on a national level. He has served under two state superintendents as an associate superintendent, he has had political appointments, and was the chief of staff for the largest school district in Oregon. He was a high school social studies teacher and he also taught Spanish and coached with football, baseball and basketball teams. When not busy with these activities, Flores could sometimes be heard announcing at games or drill team competitions.
Flores has worked for the U.S. Department of Education where he helped establish educational programs in various states. He helped disadvantaged, non-English speaking, poor and migrants families to get involved in the school lunch programs. He has also spent time traveling to speak on various topics at conferences across the United States.
Flores has two sons who attend Mt. Hood; they are 24 and 19. He said it is nice to have them on campus, and they seem to be enjoying themselves. Once an avid softball player, Flores used to travel to different cities and states playing more than 180 games a year. Other hobbies include an occasional round of golf and traveling when he can. He has a daughter in her fourth year at the University of Oregon who is studying to become an architect. Whenever he has free time, Flores tries to spend it with his family and describes himself as a “homebody.” His wife works for a state senator.
Flores sees himself in “a position to help students,” and the college by improving the relationship between MHCC and the surrounding community.