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Mark Hartley, Ed.D., is Dean of Student Life and acting Athletic Director at Norco College. In this role, he has doubled the number of athletic sports offered and has established an eSports presence on campus.  

His career in higher education began in 1998 where he started as a resident hall director at his alma mater, the University of Redlands. When his legendary Dean of Student Life, Char Burgess, saw his passion for organizing large groups to attend athletic events, she quickly promoted him as Assistant Director of the Student Leadership and Involvement Center. After seven years, Hartley was hired to be Director of Student Leadership and Development at California State University, San Bernardino. While at CSUSB, he helped establish the orientation program known as SOAR, which became the number two orientation program in the country. His program increased retention and graduation rates and helped many students realize their dream of being the first person in their family to graduate from college. 

In 2015, Hartley began his stint at Norco College and has found his true passion for helping community college students find their life’s purpose. He oversees the departments of Athletics, Associated Students, Career Center, Health Services, Student Activities, Student Conduct, and Student Employment. In addition, he serves as college chair for Commencement and Welcome Week. 

Hartley earned his doctorate from California State University, San Bernardino, doing his mixed methods dissertation on Grit, Growth Mindset and Vulnerability Among Thriving Community College Students. He holds master’s degrees in Business Management and in Higher Education Administration. 

Hartley was a three-sport athlete at Estancia High School in Costa Mesa. He went on to play baseball and football at the University of Redlands, where he won the Coaches Award his senior year in baseball. He and his wife, Heather, have two children, Keegan and Alexa.