By Andrea Vasquez
Raffetto and Jones have contributed more than 55 years of leadership, counsel, and expertise to the College. Serving on the strategic leadership team, they helped pass the College’s 2015 $425 million bond referendum, which funded renovations, technology, and new facilities. Under their leadership, the College also received the 2017 Aspen Institute Rising Star Award and its third consecutive nomination as a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
Raffetto began his San Jac career in 1984 as the South Campus dean of student services. During his 36 years at the College, he also served as vice president of both student services and enrollment services. Renowned for his storytelling, he has also built high-functioning teams through his knack for coaching others on their strengths.
“I hope people will remember me as the administrator who had the courage to tell people what they needed to know rather than what they wanted to hear,” he said.
In 2015, Raffetto created the Read Across North Campus program to inspire love of reading and provide access to interesting books. Coinciding with Read Across America/Dr. Seuss Day, the annual book drive provides all kinds of free books to students. To date, North Campus faculty and staff have donated more than 7,000 books for the program.
Raffetto says his professional service comes down to the people.
“I am very grateful to have worked with very smart people who are dedicated to student success and to improving the lives of others,” he said. “Hiring good people, having confidence in them to do their job, and assisting them with their professional development has been one of the most rewarding things in my administrative career.”
His retirement plans include attending his two grandsons’ soccer practices and games and reading, which has always consumed his free time.
Raffetto holds a doctorate and master’s from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a bachelor’s from Duquesne University.
“Being a part of the remarkable leadership of this phenomenal organization has been one of the greatest achievements of my career,” said Jones. “We have the very best forward-thinking board of trustees and strategic leadership team leading the College. These innovative leaders — along with our faculty, staff, and administrators — truly understand the importance of putting our students and their success at the heart of everything we do.”
Throughout her 19 years at the College, mentorship remained at the core of Jones’ leadership DNA. She calls the students and employees she has mentored over the years her greatest achievement.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job has been personally serving as a mentor to some of the brightest students and employees at San Jacinto College,” she said. “It’s been a great joy to have been a part of their success, and I consider all of them legacies, not only for me but for our College, which will benefit from their knowledge and leadership for years to come.”
Jones holds a doctorate from Texas A&M University and a master’s and bachelor’s from the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Jones and her husband look forward to the adventures ahead in this retirement chapter. While they have postponed globetrotting because of COVID-19, they are taking a few domestic trips.
Both Raffetto and Jones share these tips for aspiring, new, and veteran leaders.
“Be willing to compromise on processes, but never compromise your principles. Never lose sight of the mission of your organization,” said Raffetto.
“Know when to lead and when to follow,” said Jones. “Acknowledge when you are wrong, and know that you don’t always have to be right. Never get so big that you forget to be humble. Show others you appreciate them and the work they do.”
According to Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Raffetto and Jones’ impact will continue to move the College forward.
“Bill and Brenda have been profoundly instrumental in establishing San Jacinto College as a leader in higher education,” said Hellyer. “Throughout their tenures, they have built new, innovative College programs, committed to steadfast student success, and created a culture of transformational and servant leadership. We wish them both a wonderful, happy retirement.”
