Erik Ozolins has served as the Honors Director at Mt. San Jacinto College since 2008, where he has built a multi-campus Honors Enrichment Program that emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and academic excellence. Under his leadership, the program has flourished, engaging over 300 students and empowering them through initiatives like the Honors Mentor Program, which promotes scholarship, service, and community engagement.
Erik’s teaching spans a wide range of interdisciplinary topics, including anthropology, biology, and cultural studies. His honors seminars have inspired students to pursue research and present at regional and national conferences, with many earning prestigious awards such as the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship and the NCHC Portz Scholar Award.
Beyond his institution, Erik has held nearly every leadership role within the Honors Transfer Council of California (HTCC), including President and Conference Chair. He currently serves as Chair of the NCHC Two-Year College Committee and is a member of the NCHC Board. His efforts have strengthened the connection between HTCC and NCHC, and he is widely regarded as a mentor and resource across the honors community.
Erik’s commitment to justice and student support is deeply personal and unwavering, and he continues to foster a welcoming and empowering environment for all.
Dr. Christina Yamanaka-Vu, Co-Director of the Honors Enrichment Program, writes, “Erik is a constant source of inspiration to me in his dedication to the Program and to his students. His willingness to stand up to injustices and his advocacy for the needs of students are deeply admirable.”
Erik Ozolins exemplifies the values of honors education and is a truly deserving recipient of the Ron Brandolini Award.
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