Jacinto M. Salazar III

Jacinto M. Salazar III is the inaugural IDEAA Director at Monterey Peninsula College, bringing over 20 years of experience in higher education equity. A California State University (CSU) Monterey Bay alumnus with a bachelor’s in Liberal Studies, he also holds a master’s in Chicana/o Studies from San Jose State.

His extensive background in Academic and Student Affairs includes leadership roles in Upward Bound, Admissions, First-Year Experience, and as director of the Transfer Student Success Center at CSU Montery Bay. Additionally, Jacinto has taught Chicanx/Latinx History, Service Learning, and Ethnic Studies at the community college and university levels.

Grounded in an ethic of care, his work centers on community, relationships, solidarity, equity, and justice, highlighting the narratives and experiences of the most vulnerable populations. Outside of work, Jacinto enjoys mountain biking, camping, and exploring the outdoors with his family.