Forum: April 8, 1:30-3 p.m.
Dr. Martha A. McDonald
Dr. Martha McDonald is an experienced community college leader with more than 26 years of experience advancing student success, equity, and institutional leadership across California’s community college system. As Vice President for Student Services at Irvine Valley College, she provides executive leadership for a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services supporting student access, persistence, and completion, including enrollment services, counseling, financial aid, student equity initiatives, outreach and recruitment, veterans services, and student health and wellness.
At Irvine Valley College, Dr. McDonald has played a key role in strengthening student-centered systems that support equitable outcomes for a diverse student population. She was appointed to co-lead the inaugural President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, helping guide institutional dialogue and action around inclusive practices and equitable student success.
Prior to joining Irvine Valley College, Dr. McDonald served in several senior leadership roles at Citrus College, including Vice President of Student Services, Interim Executive Dean, Dean of Students, and Director of EOP&S, CARE, and CalWORKs. During her tenure, she helped expand comprehensive support services for historically underserved students and led the development of the Citrus College Veterans Success Center, an innovative program recognized as a model for supporting student veterans in California.
Dr. McDonald began her career in higher education as a counselor and educator and has served in part-time faculty, counseling, and management roles at several institutions, including Fullerton College, Santa Ana College, and Chapman University. Her career reflects a deep commitment to expanding educational opportunities and supporting students through holistic, student-centered systems.
Before entering higher education, Dr. McDonald served over 12 years in the United States Marine Corps, including seven years on active duty and five years in the Reserves, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. She was the first woman to complete the Marine Corps Security Forces School and later became the first female instructor at the Marine Corps Security Forces School at Mare Island Naval Shipyard.
Dr. McDonald is an immigrant to the United States and a first-generation college graduate. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Chapman University, along with certificates in Career Counseling and Human Resources. She completed her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at California State University, Fullerton, where her dissertation focused on engagement among community college student veterans.
Dr. McDonald is an Aspen Presidential Fellow and a Wheelhouse Advancing Leaders Fellow. She has also completed the Association of California Community College Administrators Mentor Program, the National Community College Hispanic Council Leadership Fellows Program, and the Community College League of California Asilomar Leadership Skills Seminar for Women. In recognition of her service and leadership, she was named Veteran of the Year by Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris.