Our Students & Your Generosity Create a Better Community

Key Positions Filled at Hartnell College

New leadership brings in new energy

As life has it, people come and go. It could be a retirement, a promotion, or new open opportunities filled. This year, three key positions bring a new kind of energy to Hartnell College; these new leadership roles bring opportunities to students and to the community at large. This is a medium we are using to introduce you to three of them in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Sandra Guzman – Student Affairs

Although from Sacramento, Salinas has always held a special place in her heart. Sandra Guzman, Vice President of Student Affairs, recalls hearing from her uncle and godfather about working in the lechuga (lettuce) fields of Salinas. As a young girl, she did not realize till later in life that his sacrifice and that of many others meant working in the fields weeks at a time and sleeping in their cars. That stuck with her, and she knew that it was her goal in life to break the cycle of poverty in her family through higher education.

Guzman is a first-generation college student and the first on both sides of her family to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s. She understands students trying to advance through an education firsthand. She was an Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) student in college and advanced to earn a double degree in Psychology and Spanish from Chico State University and a Master’s in Psychology from San Francisco University.  

She worked as a social worker and child and family therapist for over ten years. Then she ventured into community colleges in Sacramento for 14 years as a counselor and later at American River College as dean.

“It is such an honor to serve this community as vice president,” she said. “I am grateful to give back to this community in such a special way.”

Sandra is excited to work at Hartnell College. She is an empty nester and feels her calling is in creating a strong team that will help students in an intentional way. She wants to create opportunities for students but also for the non-traditional students like those in adult education.

“Without an education, I would never be in this position,” she said. “Education is an equalizer, and I cannot wait to see what my team and I can do here at Hartnell to mold its future.”

Ivan Guerrero – Athletics

Just four months ago, Ivan Guerrero was named Interim Dean of Academic Affairs, Athletics, Physical Education & Health – a position held by beloved Dan Teresa. For Guerrero, working at Hartnell College is like being with family.

“The students, coaches, and colleagues have created a good culture that doesn’t make this feel like work,” he said. “Through the power of education, we can transform lives.”

Guerrero has a long history with Hartnell. He is not only an alum, but he was part of the Men’s Soccer Team 2002-2004. After graduating from CSU Northridge with his B.S. in Business Administration, and Southern New Hampshire University with a Master of Science, Sport Management with Certificate in Athletic Administration, he returned to his hometown of Salinas. Since 2011, he has been part of Hartnell Athletics as a head coach for the Women’s Soccer Team, bringing them to the State Championship in 2021. In 2016, he became a full-time faculty member.

He wants to expand what is already being done and continue to develop in athletics and student success. Ivan wants to inspire others. He came to the USA when he was five years old and it was through education that he could advance and be in the position that he is in now.

He is married to his wife, Veronica. They are proud parents of Alexander and Max. He enjoys time with his parents, brother, and two sisters. He promotes health, sports, and family in all he does.

“I want to continue upholding the mission and vision of Hartnell College by providing students with the best resources we can provide.”

Marshall Sharpe – Gallery and the Arts

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Marshall Sharpe taught 7^th and 8^th grades for seven years in Hawaii. Academia has always been a passion of his, and his pursuit brought him to Bakersfield, California, as an Associate Professor of Art at Bakersfield College, later also running their Art Gallery. 

This experience led to his new role as Gallery Director and Assistant Professor of Art at Hartnell College. The unique model of running the gallery and teaching felt like the perfect fit for him. He and his partner of four years made the move to Monterey and now call the Central Coast home. He has big plans for teaching and for the gallery.

“I hope the community sees the gallery as a space for them; they are not only welcome to come to our openings, but also to exhibit their own work in our space,” he said.

Sharpe earned his B.A. from Elon University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Chaminade University of Honolulu, and a Master of Fine Arts from UC Santa Barbara.

With this new role, Sharpe has big plans to spread the love and appreciation for art widely. He plans on producing art shows, student art shows, and a community art show.

“I want the community to see the gallery as a space for them, where they can stop by any time,” he said. “For the art classes, my goal is for them to be more than electives; they are crucial in the education of arts skills.”

In his free time, he lives and breathes art. He enjoys exploring art galleries throughout the county, loves to paint, hike, surf, and be in the outdoors in general.

To contact Marshall email Dsharpe@hartnell.edu or https://www.marshallsharpe.com/.

National Philanthropy Day

Recognizing the best in Giving

On November 14, 2025, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Monterey Bay Chapter presented its 33^rd Annual National Philanthropy Day for the Central Coast Awards Luncheon.

Five awards were presented to local organizations, businesses, and individuals who exemplify the meaning of philanthropy, along with 46 distinguished honorees, which included Salinas Councilmember Margaret D’Arrigo, who has been a consistent donor to the Hartnell College Foundation for many years.

It was an exciting event with Hartnell College Foundation receiving Philanthropic Foundation of the Year; Nancy Ausonio received Philanthropist of the Year; Noland, Hamerly, Etienne & Hoss received Philanthropic Corporation of the Year; Hartnell student, Emily Molina is Philanthropic Young Adult of the Year; and high schooler Izzy Toole was awarded Philanthropic Youth of the Year.

Congratulations to all the honorees and awardees in 2025!

Our very best,