Higher Education Experience
Chancellor of Foothill-De Anza Community College District, 2010–2015
President of Rio Salado College, 1990–2010
President of West Los Angeles College, 1986–1990
Senior Director of Occupational and Technical Education, Director of High Technology Centers and Services, and Director of Communications Services of the Los Angeles Community College District
Former adjunct faculty at UCLA School of Education, Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, Rio Salado College, and Northern Arizona University
Public Service
East Valley Partnership
Arizona Quality Alliance
Benevilla
Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation
Nana’s Children Mental Health Foundation
Friends of Public Radio Arizona
Arizona Town Hall
Valley of the Sun United Way Campaign Cabinet
Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Arizona Governor’s Advisory Council on Quality
Phoenix Community Alliance
Arizona Cactus-Pine Girl Scout Council
Arizona Department of Economic Security Venture Team Board
Arizona Partnership for the New Economy Steering Committee
Arizona Task Force on Western Governors University
Governor’s Steering Committee for the “No Wrong Door” Service Delivery Improvement Initiative
Arizona Higher Education Study Committee
League for Innovation in the Community College
American Council on Education Commission on Education Attainment and Innovation
Community College Baccalaureate Association
In 2010, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan appointed her to serve on the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, comprised of 15 higher education leaders
Honors and Awards
Alumni Medal of Honor from Pepperdine University
Distinguished Alumna Award from California State University, Los Angeles, College of Natural and Social Sciences
Ronald McDonald House Charities “Excellence in Education” Award
Pioneer Award from the Community College Baccalaureate Association
Paul A. Elsner Excellence in Leadership Award from The International Chair Academy
Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction for CEO’s from Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Distinguished Service Award from the National University Technology Network
Morris T. Keeton Award from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
Richard Jonsen Award from the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET)
Outstanding Achievement Award from the Women's Business Network, Los Angeles
Woman of the Year from the Culver City Business and Professional Women
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Pepperdine University
Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University—Los Angeles
Doctor of Education degree from Pepperdine University
Honorary Associate of Arts degree from De Anza College
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Palo Alto University