By Lookout Staff

December 22, 2025 -- After a nationwide search, Santa Monica College (SMC) appointed a South Florida college administrator to become the school's Chief Student Services officer.

Dr. Tania Acosta will assume the post of Vice President of Student Success on January 2 and "will provide strategic oversight for an array of student services and enrollment functions," College officials said.

"A first-generation high school and college graduate, Dr Acosta brings more than 24 years’ experience in key senior-level positions at the multi-campus, Hispanic-Serving Institution of Miami Dade College," SMC officials said in a statement.

At Miami Dade, Acosta served as Interim Campus President, Dean of Student Services, Director of Campus Administration, Emergency Management Incident Commander, Chief Information Officer Facilities Coordinator and adjunct faculty member.

“It is significant to note that Dr. Tania Acosta’s student-centered, innovative, and equity-driven leadership has enriched an institution that, like Santa Monica College, is a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution and also serves a diverse, global student body,” said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery.

“Her perspectives and richly varied experience will be invaluable as we strengthen the ways in which SMC serves students today and as we reimagine how best to meet student, community, and industry needs in an ever-changing world.”

As SMC’s Vice President of Student Success, Dr. Acosta will serve as the Chief Student Services Officer and as a member of the College’s senior leadership team.

She will provide strategic oversight for Counseling and Retention, Student Success Initiatives, Student Life, Special Programs, Student Outreach and Onboarding, Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, Student Health and Wellness, Marketing, and Campus Police, "and other duties as assigned."

Additionally, she will provide leadership in advancing institutional goals related to equity, student access, retention, student support and degree completion.

"I am incredibly honored to be joining the Santa Monica College community," Acosta said in a statement. "My goal is to build upon Santa Monica's existing legacy by collaborating with students, faculty, and staff to remove barriers while ensuring a supportive and equitable environment for every student's personal journey.

“I am particularly excited to champion initiatives that will ensure not just matriculation, but that all our students thrive and graduate with confidence,” Acosta said.

Acosta earned a BA degree in Public Administration from Florida International University, an MA in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University and a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Leadership/Organizational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University.

She is a graduate of The Chair Academy’s Global Leadership Advanced Academy; a graduate of the Dade Community Foundation’s Miami Fellows Initiative Class V; and a graduate Fellow of the Dr. Ted Martinez Jr. National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC) Leadership Program.