Dr. Julianna Barnes
SAN DIEGO–Dr. Julianna Barnes is the new Vice President of Student Services for San Diego Mesa College. She officially began her position on February 20, just in time to celebrate the opening the college’s $45.8 million Student Services Center on February 25th.
“The timing for Dr. Barnes’ arrival could not have been more perfect,” said Dr. Pamela T. Luster, President. “Julianna brings a wonderful enthusiasm for students and a wealth of experience to Mesa. We now have a state-of-the art facility and the leadership team we need to become a nationwide model for student learning and success.”
Barnes is responsible for 20 departments, services and functions. These include: admission and records, counseling, evaluation and assessment, financial aid, disability services and programs, student affairs, the career and transfer centers, student health services, high school and community outreach, and more.
“I am so proud to join a dedicated team of student services professionals who now work together in a central location and in turn, are able to support students more comprehensively and collaboratively than ever before,” said Dr. Barnes.
Barnes comes to Mesa College following a two-year term as vice president of student services at Cuyamaca College. Prior to that, she held a variety of positions in higher education, including serving as dean of student development and matriculation at San Diego City College and as dean of student affairs and matriculation at San Diego Miramar College. City, Mesa and Miramar colleges are all a part of the San Diego Community College District.
A native San Diegan, Barnes received her doctorate in educational leadership with a community college specialization from San Diego State University; her master’s in education with an emphasis in multicultural counseling, also from SDSU, and her bachelor’s in sociology with a minor in teacher education from UCSD.
Professionally, Dr. Barnes serves as an Affiliated Member of the Doctoral Faculty at San Diego State University. She has published articles and presented at the local, state and national levels on topics such as the First-Year Experience and Student learning outcomes assessment in community colleges.
With student enrollment topping 25,000, San Diego Mesa College is the fastest-growing community college in California and the seventh fastest-growing in the nation. The fully accredited, comprehensive, two-year college offers 180 associate degree and certificate programs. The college’s excellent academic programs cover a wide range of disciplines, making Mesa the number one transfer institution in San Diego.
Julianna spent time growing up in the Linda Vista neighborhood where Mesa College is situated.
“This is my community college. As a kid I would peek over the fence and imagine going to college someday. It’s like coming home,” added Dr. Barnes.
A lifetime San Diego resident, Dr. Barnes resides in Scripps Ranch with her family.
