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# Key accomplishments
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/key-accomplishments/
- Published: 2004-11-18T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T05:36:38.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Education, Santa Monica Airport, #archive-import

A native of Cuba, SMC President Dr. Piedad F. Robertson received undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Miami and was awarded an Ed.D. from Florida Atlantic University. Robertson announced her resignation Wednesday.

Here is a breakdown of some of her key accomplishments: ■ Under Robertson’s watch, the college grew significantly and more than 160 new, full-time, tenure-track faculty members were hired, making up about 45 percent of the current full-time professor ranks. ■ Also under Robertson, voters in March 2002 and earlier this month approved two bond measures totaling $295 million that will transform SMC with new facilities and safety and modernization projects over the next decade. SMC also bought a 10-acre property at Santa Monica Airport, which will become a major satellite campus. ■ Robertson was credited with creating the SMC Academy of Entertainment and Technology, which prepares students for jobs in the entertainment industry, particularly digital animation and new media. She expanded work-force and economic development programs in such fields as nursing, education and apparel. ■ The development of the $23 million SMC library expansion happened under Robertson, as did the opening of a $35 million science complex and plan-ning for the upcoming Madison Project (see related story). ■ Robertson is one of just seven people on the Gates Millennium Scholars Program Advisory Council, which oversees the $1 billion scholarship endowment created in 1999 by Microsoft founder and billionaire Bill Gates. ■ Honors include the 2002 Humanitarian Award from the National Conference for Community and Justice, 1999 Woman of the Year Award from the Santa Monica YWCA, and 1997 Status of Women Award from the American Association of University Women. ■ Before coming to Santa Monica College, Robertson served four years as Massachusetts Secretary of Education, a post she was appointed to by Governor William F. Weld on Sept. 1, 1991\. As education secretary, Robertson oversaw the drafting of a comprehensive K-12 education reform law. She also reportedly received a handful of no confidence votes from university and community college leaders displeased with her handling of that state’s deficit. ■ Prior to her appointment as education secretary, Robertson served as president of Bunker Hill Community College from 1988 to 1991.

Before that, she held a number of administrative and faculty positions at Miami Dade Community College, Broward Community College and the University of Miami.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 18, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/111804.pdf?ref=smdp.com)