San Diego Community College District

An innovative leader with an extensive background in human resources in higher education and the healthcare industry has been selected to serve as the new Vice Chancellor of People, Culture, and Technology Services at the San Diego Community College District.

Jared Burns, will begin working at the district on June 17 after approval from the district’s Governing Board.

Burns comes to San Diego from his position as Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The college has 11 locations throughout the counties of Stone, George, Jackson, and Harrison, and is the largest community college district in the state. Before working at the college, Burns served as Regional Director of Human Resources and Workforce Development at Consulate Management, a healthcare provider serving more than 2,000 patients in multiple states, and as Human Resources Manager with Select Medical.

“We are excited to welcome Jared to the San Diego community,” said Gregory Smith, SDCCD Chancellor. “His extensive national community college and human resources experience will bring new perspectives and innovative approaches to advance our mission to uplift our diverse student and employee communities.”

At the Mississippi community college district, Burns was a leader in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; led implementations to improve the efficiency of human resources; and developed strategic recruitment and professional development programs.

At the SDCCD, Burns’ responsibilities will include planning and managing the district’s People, Culture and Technology Services programs, monitoring regulations affecting employment and technology in the state community college system; and ensuring timely submission of reports to government regulators.

Burns earned his doctorate degree in community college leadership from Mississippi State University and his law degree at Taft School of Law in Santa Ana. He also holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Webster University in St. Louis, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Gerontology from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS.

“I am thrilled to accept the position of Vice Chancellor of People, Culture, and Technology Services at the San Diego Community College District,” Burns said. “I am eager to contribute to the District’s mission and strategic goals, particularly in fostering an inclusive culture and advancing technological infrastructure.”