Jose da Silva

Dr. Jose E. da Silva currently serves as the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Southwest Tennessee Community College, where he leads institution wide efforts to advance student access, learning, and success. A seasoned higher education executive, Dr. da Silva brings extensive experience from five state systems—Washington, Texas, Illinois, Tennessee, and Florida—demonstrating a longstanding commitment to strengthening community colleges and expanding educational opportunity.

Prior to his current role, Dr. da Silva served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of North Texas at Dallas. There, he provided strategic leadership to a division of 96 full time staff and managed a budget exceeding $25 million. His collaborative approach extended beyond campus, serving on the local Chamber of Commerce Board, the United Way Foundation Board, and the city’s Economic Development Corporation, deepening partnerships that connected higher education with community and workforce needs.

Dr. da Silva is also an engaged scholar and educator. His academic contributions include published book reviews, a novel centered on the community college experience, and service as an instructor for community college courses—further grounding his leadership philosophy in the lived realities of students and educators.

A proud first generation college graduate, Dr. da Silva began his journey at Tallahassee Community College. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration with a focus on community college leadership from the University of North Texas, as well as a Master’s in Higher Education Administration (Student Affairs) and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Florida State University. His personal and professional trajectory reflects his deep belief in the community college mission and its power to transform lives.

Dr. da Silva and his wife, Jill—who also works in higher education finance—consider themselves a “higher ed family.” Together, they are raising three sons: Tiago, Mateo, and Leo.