Dr. Juan E. Mejia proudly serves the students and communities of East Texas through his role as President & CEO of Tyler Junior College. Mejia is serving his 12th year with the institution and is approaching his 37th year in higher education.
Mejia is a proud graduate of Texas State Technical Institute, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, and Texas A&M University – Kingsville. He is an alumnus of Leadership Tyler’s Executive Orientation Series and is an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa’s chapters Beta Epsilon Mu at South Texas College, and Alpha Omicron at Tyler Junior College. Mejia is the father of five sons and he and his wife, Meela, reside in East Texas.
Prior to his career at TJC, Mejia served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at South Texas College. Both institutions have legislative designation, authorization by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and accreditation status by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/Commission on Colleges, to award baccalaureate degrees, and are among the four Texas colleges classified as Legacy status.
Mejia has been celebrated at the national, state and local levels, and among some of his recognitions include his being the recipient of the 2021 Western Region CEO of the Year Award by the Association of Community College Trustees, a 2019 Paragon Award from Phi Theta Kappa, the 2019 Community Impact Leader of the Year for East Texas, the 2017 Nelson Award by the Texas Association of Community Colleges, and the 2017 Distinguished Pioneer for the Valley Scholars Program. Additionally, Mejia has been recognized during numerous legislative sessions through Senate and House Resolutions celebrating his service to Texas students and communities, and for his leadership with baccalaureate degrees by junior/community colleges.
Mejia currently serves on the Executive Committee and Board for the Texas Association of Community Colleges, on the Executive Committee and Board for the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, on the Board for the Tyler Economic Development Council, as Secretary for the Board of the Business Education Council, and as Board member for Workforce Solutions of East Texas. He also serves on the President’s Advisory Council to the Association of Community College Trustees and on the Board for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. He has served on numerous philanthropic and non-profit boards and continues to be supportive of their respective missions.
Dr. Mejia believes in service to students and communities by creating a culture and environment where leadership is valued, celebrated, and collaboration is promoted. He believes that personal and professional growth should be encouraged and supported. His values include a commitment to the mission of junior/community colleges, the empowerment of everyone from the college community to achieve their fullest potential, and an ethical value system where honor and principles permeate throughout. Mejia has a strong vision for courage and legacy, and accountability and transparency that strengthens trust and respect within the college community and with external stakeholders.