Many at Blackhawk already know Josh Garcia for his dedication as an Access and Accommodations Specialist, supporting students with disabilities and helping them succeed. Now, Josh is bringing that same commitment to his new role as Lead Social Sciences Instructor.

“I love the vibe here. There are some great goal-oriented people here with drive,” Josh said.

Garcia was born in San Antonio but grew up in Rockford. Before coming to Blackhawk, he worked at the Wisconsin Autism Project in Madison, where he helped people impacted by autism through therapeutic and goal-oriented tasks to help them with fine and gross motor skills.

Garcia received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix in 2021. He went on to earn a Master of Science degree in Sociology from the same institution in 2023. 

“I used my education to answer a lot of the ‘why’ questions I had growing up, so sociology was the perfect fit. I’ve always been in a classroom for work but having those more in-depth conversations was something I felt I needed. Being as community-driven as I am, and wanting to make some kind of impact, teaching Sociology and Diversity Studies makes the most sense. We all should learn how to get comfortable with the uncomfortable and having the conversations that put us outside our comfort zones may just be what unites us,” Garcia said.

Josh also is the co-founder and director of the Stateline Disc Golf Association and is a member of Blackhawk’s Minority Excellence Organization. He is married, has two sons–who he described as “wild”–and a dog named Dexter.