San Jacinto College announced key leadership changes as part of a strategic realignment of its executive team.
Deputy chancellor and College president Dr. Laurel Williamson will retire in August 2026. Williamson, who began her career at San Jac in 2007, assumed the deputy chancellor position in February 2013. A native of McComb, Mississippi, Williamson has spent 45 years as an educator.
Dr. Alexander Okwonna
Dr. Alexander Okwonna, currently the North Campus provost, will follow as her successor. Okwonna will continue to lead the North Campus until his replacement is selected. He has been with the College for 21 years, holding various positions of increasing responsibilities.
Central Campus provost Van Wigginton retired in December 2025. Beginning his San Jac career as a government professor in 1995, Wigginton became Central Campus provost in 2014.
Dr. Rhonda Bell
Following an internal search process, Dr. Rhonda Bell, most recently dean of nursing and imaging, was appointed as the Central Campus provost, effective December 2025.
Previously, Bell served as Central Campus dean of health and natural sciences, guiding the launch of the College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and strengthening allied health pathways. With nearly 20 years of teaching and leadership experience at San Jac, she brings a focus on workforce‐driven programming and student success to her new position.
Dr. Christopher Wild
In January 2026, Dr. Christopher Wild stepped into the Generation Park Campus provost role, replacing Dr. Destry Dokes. Wild has spent more than 15 years at San Jac, beginning as a chemistry faculty member and recently serving as assistant vice chancellor/vice president of biotechnology. He has led the College’s biomanufacturing and biotechnology training initiatives, including helping develop the Center for Biotechnology at the Generation Park Campus.
San Jac’s Strategic Leadership Team works together to promote student success and advance the region’s social and economic mobility. The team advises Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer on College-wide strategic direction, makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees, and advances the College’s BOLD 2030 strategic plan.
By Amanda Fenwick
