Merritt Colleges wishes to extend a hearty congratulations to two of our faculty members who just achieved a significant milestone. Sun Young Ban (Math) and Alejandro Garcia will be awarded tenure, having demonstrated their teaching acumen in the classroom, as well as their service to the College.

Dr. Sun Young Ban received a BS in Mathematics from New York University and obtained her MS and Ph.D. at Columbia University. Dr. Ban is an accomplished instructor who has created an engaging classroom environment and effectively connects with her students in both online and face-to-face modalities. In addition to serving as the co-chair of the Math and Physical Sciences department, Dr. Ban has been active in college-wide participatory governance committees, including serving as the Professional Development Committee chair. She has also been involved in establishing planning grants such as HSI and MESA initiatives.

Dr. Alejandro Garcia earned his Merritt College puts students first. Through our rich educational programs, we foster a culture of equity and inclusion that empowers students to achieve their greatest potential and make meaningful contributions to their respective communities and our global society. doctorate degree from UC Berkeley’s Department of History, and did so while also on a tenured track at Merritt College. While in the last years of his doctoral program, Alejandro Garcia began as an adjunct faculty at Merritt College. However, collaborating with colleagues and teaching students at Merritt College reminded him of the significant role that community colleges play in our society. This motivated him not only to seek a career at Merritt College, but his growth with staff members, administrators, faculty, and students from all Peralta Colleges also inspired him to walk his own ‘talk’ on higher learning to the extent that his own convictions drove him to finalize the completion of his doctorate degree. Merritt College became his second wind. Please join us in congratulating them both!