Team
Welcome, Rene Salazar
EOPS/NextUp Counselor Psychology Instructor
What is your role at Merced College?
My role at Merced College is as an Academic Counselor for the EOPS/NextUp Program and a Psychology instructor. In this role, I support students by connecting them to essential resources and services that promote both their academic and personal success. I work closely with students to develop clear educational plans, understand the college process, and overcome challenges that may impact their progress. Through counseling, teaching, and mentorship, I strive to empower students to build confidence, stay motivated, and achieve their long-term educational and career goals.
What part of your job do you enjoy most?
What I enjoy most about my job is helping students move forward in their academic journey and achieve their goals. Having navigated school on my own, I understand many of the challenges our students experience, and that perspective drives my passion for providing the guidance and support I once needed. What I find most rewarding is witnessing students grow in confidence, overcome obstacles, and realize their potential. Seeing the impact that education, along with the support from our programs and staff, has on their lives is incredibly meaningful and continues to motivate me every day.
Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College?
Prior to working at Merced College, I spent over 20 years serving the foster youth population, which shaped my passion for supporting students who face unique challenges. During that time, I began teaching part-time at Merced College and quickly developed a strong connection to the campus and the students we serve. After teaching for eight years, I made the decision to join Merced College full-time because I saw firsthand the genuine care and commitment to helping students grow, overcome obstacles, and reach their goals. It felt like a natural fit, allowing me to continue my work with foster youth while expanding my impact through counseling and teaching. Being part of a community that truly invests in students’ success is what brought me here and continues to inspire me every day.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family. With a big family of three girls and three boys, life stays busy with sports, school events, and extracurricular activities, and I truly value being present for those moments. When I have time to relax, I enjoy being creative with music and technology, especially using AI tools like Suno.ai to create songs and videos. It’s a fun and rewarding way for me to unwind, express myself, and explore creativity in a different way.
During National Foster Care Month, what does it mean to you to support students with foster care experience, and what do you hope the campus community better understands about their journeys?
Supporting students with foster care experience means showing up with empathy, patience, and consistency. It means recognizing that many of these students have faced challenges, transitions, and responsibilities that are often unseen, yet they continue to move forward with incredible strength and resilience. For me, it’s about creating a space where they feel seen, heard, and supported, both academically and personally. I take great pride in the work we are doing at Merced College. Our institution has shown a strong and ongoing commitment to foster youth by providing resources, programs, and a community that truly cares. That continued support makes a real difference in helping students feel connected, capable, and confident in their journey. I hope the campus community continues to understand that foster youth are not defined by where they’ve been, but by where they’re going. And when we choose to support them with intention and heart, we’re not just helping them succeed in college; we’re helping them rewrite their story.
What is one change you’ve noticed at Merced College that has made the biggest difference for students?
One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed at Merced College is the increased awareness and intentional support for students with foster care experience. There has been a stronger focus on meeting students where they are, with empathy, patience, and consistency, while also recognizing the strength and resilience they bring to their journeys. I’m proud to be part of a college that continues to expand resources, programs, and a sense of community that helps students feel supported, connected, and valued. My hope is that our campus community continues to see students not by their past, but by their potential and the bright futures they are working toward.
Looking back on your time here, what’s a change at Merced College that has shaped the way you do your work?
One of the biggest changes I’ve seen at Merced College is the integration of AI and its impact on how we support students and approach our work. Our president and leadership team have embraced innovation and encouraged adaptability, creating a culture of growth and continuous improvement. This shift has helped me become more open-minded and intentional in how I approach my work, always looking for ways to evolve and better meet students’ needs.
