Spotlight Series: Isaac Salazar

With eight years of experience at the Alamo Colleges District, Isaac Salazar has built his career around helping students navigate higher education. Now the Coordinator of Admissions and Records at Palo Alto College, Salazar brings years of experience in admissions, recruitment, advising, and student support to a role that combines behind-the-scenes work with direct service to students.

Growing up on San Antonio's West Side, he was raised by parents who emphasized the importance of education, even though they had not had extensive opportunities to pursue higher education themselves. Their encouragement helped Salazar graduate from John F. Kennedy High School ranked ninth in his class and eventually become a first-generation college graduate.

His own experience navigating college shaped the way he approaches his work today. Early in his career, a mentor who had helped him understand college applications and scholarships showed him the impact that one person can have when they take the time to guide a student. That experience inspired Salazar to pursue work helping others navigate the same process.

Before joining PAC, Salazar gained experience working with students through college advising, recruitment, and admissions. 

“Everything is a building block, right?” Salazar said. “You learn something. This will help you in your next role.”

Today, his work in Admissions and Records includes reviewing student records and state reports, supporting his team, assisting with enrollment-related needs, and helping international students navigate the complex process of studying in the United States. He enjoys the problem-solving aspect of the role, describing much of his work as “detective work.”

But beyond the paperwork and processes, Salazar believes that one of the most important parts of working with students is ensuring they feel heard.

“You have to know what they're going through to see what kind of support you're able to offer,” he said.

Sometimes that means connecting students with tutoring, the S.H.A.R.E. Center, the food pantry, or other resources they may not know are available to them. For Salazar, helping students discover those resources is part of creating an environment where they can succeed.

His own journey has also given him a personal understanding of how important it can be to have someone in your corner. From the mentor who helped him navigate college to his experiences helping students do the same, Salazar has seen how guidance and encouragement can open doors.

Looking ahead, he hopes to continue supporting his team, growing PAC's international student population, and helping more students recognize what they can accomplish through education.

“We know the value of an education,” Salazar said. “We know that we are the pride of the South Side, and we want everyone else on the South Side to also experience that.”