Miro named executive director of San Jacinto College Foundation
Dr. Samantha Miro joined the San Jacinto College Foundation this spring as its executive director, bringing 15 years of experience in higher education leadership, strategic philanthropic partnerships, college access, and community engagement.
Samantha Miro
In her new role, Miro will lead the Foundation’s efforts to build meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, businesses, and community partners to secure necessary resources that support student success and advance the College’s strategic priorities. She will also oversee fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, and scholarship support to remove barriers for students to pursue their educational and career aspirations.
Throughout her career, Miro has led statewide scholarship programs, advanced institutional strategic initiatives, and connected organizational priorities with philanthropic and community support. Her experience includes increasing access to higher education, developing sustainable partnerships, and using data-informed strategies to achieve measurable results.
Miro holds a doctorate in leadership for educational equity and change management from the University of Colorado.
San Jac offers AI certification
Beginning in fall 2026, San Jacinto College will launch an artificial intelligence foundations advanced technical certificate to help professionals build practical, industry-relevant AI skills applicable across a wide range of fields.
Designed for individuals with an associate degree or higher, the certificate focuses on foundational AI concepts, ethical and responsible use, and real-world implementation in organizational settings.
Coursework covers topics such as AI fundamentals, data governance, cybersecurity applications, policy and compliance considerations, and the operational use of AI tools.
Students will also explore ethical and legal issues, including privacy, bias, and governance, preparing them to make informed decisions as AI becomes more embedded across industries.
Emphasizing hands-on learning and industry alignment, the program equips learners to communicate AI insights, design effective prompts, and apply AI solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen security, and support responsible innovation.
To learn more about the AI certification program, visit https://sanjac.edu/programs/areas-of-study/stem/ai/
Bettencourt named North Campus provost
Laura Bettencourt
San Jacinto College has named Dr. Laura Bettencourt as provost of the North Campus. Bettencourt brings more than 20 years of executive community college leadership experience, most recently serving as senior associate vice chancellor for academic support at Lone Star College.
Her background includes academic affairs, online education, workforce development, strategic planning, accreditation, and student success initiatives. At Lone Star College, she helped lead systemwide academic support efforts, including innovative credentialing, grant alignment, and the launch of Lone Star College-Online.
Bettencourt’s appointment brings an experienced, student-focused leader to the North Campus. Her work has centered on expanding access, improving completion, and creating opportunities for students, especially those who may face barriers to success.
As provost, Bettencourt will work with faculty, staff, and the community to build on the North Campus’s momentum while supporting San Jac’s continued focus on student success, workforce preparation, and community impact.
Dr. Alexander Okwonna, previous North Campus provost, was appointed as the incoming deputy chancellor/College president.
