Dear Students,
The college experience involves so much more than classes. The Division of Student Services at Barstow Community College is here to provide you with support services to help you get started, get adjusted, get involved, earn your degree, and move forward toward your dreams. We understand that you are a unique individual with different academic and personal needs, and we are committed to providing personalized attention from caring professionals who are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic, career, and personal goals.
At BCC, we are proud to serve Barstow and the High Desert, and we honor the history, resilience, and community spirit that make this region special. When you join Barstow Community College, you become part of that legacy, and we want your experience here to be meaningful, supportive, and empowering.
Be Active in Your Learning. GO to class, spending time with your professors and other students. Learning occurs both inside and outside the classroom. Be an active learner by attending our outstanding theatre productions, concerts, athletic events and community events.
We also know that students who are involved succeed at higher levels. That is why we encourage you to take advantage of the many ways to connect on campus, including student government, clubs, leadership opportunities, campus events, and athletics such as men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball. Every opportunity is designed to support academic engagement, leadership development, and personal growth.
Be Active in Your Learning. Go to class, spend time with your professors, and connect with other students. Learning happens inside and outside the classroom, so attend theatre productions, concerts, athletic events, and community activities.
Be Involved in Your College Experience. Learning is a contact sport. Show up, be present, and stay engaged. Join a club, volunteer, attend events, or step into a leadership role early. Being involved can truly change your life.
Be Safe. Our campus is part of a close and caring community, and we all share responsibility for safety and well being. Please report suspicious behavior, ask for help when needed, and make choices that support your success.
This is an exciting time in your life and at Barstow Community College. We are honored to support and challenge you in your learning and development. Guided by the college mission and core values, our goal is to help you have a transformational experience that empowers you to create positive change in your life and in the lives of others.
Sincerely
Student Services
About the Vice President of Student Services
Vice President Alvarez’s personal journey is a powerful testament to resilience and determination. Once labeled an “at-risk” student in middle school, he overcame early challenges and graduated from Fontana High School. He began his higher education journey at Riverside Community College (RCC), where he balanced full-time employment while pursuing his coursework.
He earned an Associate Degree from Riverside Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management and a Master of Arts in School Counseling with an emphasis in Higher Education from the University of Redlands.
With over 25 years of experience in the California Community College system, Vice President Alvarez has dedicated his career to student services and student success. His leadership experience spans Admissions & Records, Assessment and Testing, Veteran Services, Outreach, Middle and Early College Programs, First-Year Experience, the Promise Initiative, Summer Bridge, Undocumented Student Support, and counseling services.
Vice President Alvarez has presented at the Riverside County Office of Education’s K–12 Literacy Collaborative and at national conferences, including the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP). He is widely recognized as a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, access, and student success.
Before joining Barstow Community College, Edward F. Alvarez served as Dean of Student Services at Victor Valley College where he was the sole dean overseeing student services for an unduplicated headcount of over 23,000 students. In that role he provided strategic supervision and operational leadership across every key area of student services, including:
- ACCESS
- Admissions and Records
- Behavioral Intervention Team (CARE Team)
- CalWORKs
- Counseling (Guidance and Developmental Studies)
- Commencement
- EOPS and CARE
- Financial Aid
- Matriculation
- One Stop Center Information Counter
- Rams Promise
- Student Conduct
- Transfer Center
This experience reflects his deep commitment to student success and holistic support services in large campus settings.
Student Services & Leadership Philosophy
Vice President Alvarez credits the community college experience as the foundation of his personal and professional success. His leadership philosophy centers on creating clear and accessible pathways for all students, honoring cultural values and inclusivity, and fostering meaningful connections that help students feel supported and empowered.
He practices servant leadership by placing students at the center of all decision-making, while working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and the broader campus community to promote equity, growth, and shared success. His commitment is clear: Every student matters, and every student belongs at Barstow Community College.
