PCC selects student advocate to interim dean position

Jeanelle Soto-Quintana always likes to have a positive effect on students at Pueblo Community College. During the next few months, she’ll try to make the same kind of impact on one of PCC’s education divisions.

Soto-Quintana has been named PCC’s Interim Dean of Business and Technology at Pueblo Community College. She steps into the shoes vacated by Laura Solano, who recently was named the college’s Vice President of Learning.

Soto-Quintana will serve in this capacity until PCC undergoes a search process and hires a full-time dean, after which she will return to her previous job as the B&T division’s advising coordinator.

The interim position is one that Soto-Quintana is tackling with her usual positive focus and contagious spirit.

“My whole intent is to try to make the transition for our division as smooth as possible, she said. “The staff has been extremely supportive and patient with the learning curve that is taking place.”

Since she came to PCC five years ago as its GEAR-UP coordinator, Soto-Quintana’s trademark has been the zeal she has displayed in helping students succeed. Back then, she encouraged middle and high school students to plan for higher education.
“I loved working with youth and being able to visibly see them start to dream about the possibility of (attending) college,” Jeanelle explained.

Later, she became the Business & Technology division’s education advocate, a position that underwent a change of title and responsibilities and evolved into the advising coordinator post. The thing that has remained constant is her love of working with students.

“I have been able to help facilitate the college experience and provide encouragement and support to tons of wonderful students through advising and retention initiatives,” she said, adding that she considers herself blessed to be serving an institution where student success is the top priority.

A decade ago while employed in the correctional profession, Jeanelle never imagined working in higher education. Eventually, she decided she wanted to do more with her life and quit work to return to college.

“I wanted to be part of the change in a person’s life in a more positive way,” she explained.

She eventually earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees (business administration) from what then was the University of Southern Colorado.

That education has changed her life, just like the lives she will help change in her interim dean position.

“I look forward to the experience and opportunity to work with the other divisional deans, vice presidents and president on issues and initiatives that will continue to support our students here at PCC,” she said.

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