A champion of workforce and community development with a passion for equity, Cristobal “Cris” Valdez has served as the President of Richland Community College since 2016. Valdez has focused on leadership development, reinforcing academic and student affairs programs, and strengthening diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging.

Valdez serves on several local, regional and national boards including the Decatur and Macon County EDC, the Higher Education Research & Development Institute, the Illinois Manufacturing Association and the DMH Board.

Valdez earned a BA in Social Work from the University of Montana. He earned his MSW at Eastern Washington University and an EdD in Community College Leadership from Oregon State University. Valdez and his wife Robin have five adult children and three grandchildren.


Administrative Leadership

  • Andy Hynds, Executive Dean, Academic Services and Dean, Math & Sciences Division
  • Meredith Johnson-Palmer, Executive Dean, Student Success Division
  • Danielle Patricio, Dean, Liberal Arts Division
  • Dr. Tasha Jones, Dean, Health Professions Division
  • John Oliver, Dean, Applied Science & Technology Division
  • April Ingram, Executive Director, Workforce
  • Gina Taylor, Executive Director, EnRich
  • Jim Getz, Commander, Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center