The Deer Valley High School Class of 2023 grads turn the tassels on their caps inside the Los Medanos College stadium on Friday morning, June 9, 2023. Photos by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
The Deer Valley High School Class of 2023 graduates, family and friends celebrated their shared accomplishment on Friday morning, June 9th. After entering with their teachers to the traditional playing of Pomp and Circumstance, inside the Los Medanos College football stadium, where the ceremonies were held due to the new turf field being installed in Wolverine Stadium, the graduates were welcomed by teacher and cross-country coach, Michael Green and enjoyed a performance of the National Anthem by the Divine Voices.
The Deer Valley Divine Voices sing the National Anthem. Teacher and coach Michael Green welcomes all in attendance.
They then heard from their first-year principal, Casey Lewis.
“Your journey made the days many,” he said speaking of the COVID pandemic. “Value you those you trust the most. Value those moments. Let them know you care. You don’t have to be great to get started. But you have to get started to be great.”
The grads hear from first-year Principal Casey Lewis.
“It has been an absolute honor to be your principal especially this class which was my first class. So, stay classy,” he added.
Antioch School Board Area 3 Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis (no relation to the principal) spoke of the “Wolverine spirit”.
AUSD Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis speaks to the grads about the “Wolverine Spirit”.
“People who exhibit the Wolverine spirit are typically fearless and are not intimated by anything,” he said. “They are risk-takers and are so focused on their pursuits that the thought of failure does not stop them from their mission. Being a Wolverine means being a spirited, bold trendsetter who goes against the grain to accomplish their goals.”
Senior Class President Heather Galiwango speaks to her fellow graduates as Trustee Lewis listens.
Senior Class President Heather Galiwango then spoke to her classmates saying, “13 years. It’s been 13 years that the government mapped out a road for us. It seems as though our whole lives revolve around school until we got to high school. Then we overworked ourselves.”
“We’ve overcome a pandemic. We became the first class to have personalized parking spots,” she shared to cheers from the graduates. “Your successes as Deer Valley Wolverines are so impressive. Always know I’m rooting for you in your little corners. Thank you and congrats.”
Valedictorian Ryan Cao shares his thoughts with his classmates as Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Christine Ibarra looks on.
“At the beginning of this year I couldn’t wait to graduate. Now that I’m here, I feel the opposite,” said Valedictorian Ryan Cao. “Throughout my entire life I’ve always longed for the next chapter of my life. I didn’t spend enough time with my friends…and especially my grandfather.”
“Don’t let anyone question your talent or ability,” he continued. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Cherish what you have in the moment.”
The Class of 2023 grads receive their diplomas inside LMC stadium.
Principal Lewis introduced the Class of 2023 to Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Christine Ibarra who accepted the class for completing the requirements set forth by the Antioch Unified School District.
“Henceforth you are to be considered graduates and alumni of Deer Valley High School,” she said to cheers.
Several grads decorated their caps with special messages.
The Deer Valley Choir and Divine Voices who sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremonies then performed “A Blessing” and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”.
The grads are announced by Math Instructor Jessika Tate (red & white sash, left) and Math Department Chair Maria McClain (yellow and green sash, right).
Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate read the names of the graduates as they received their diplomas by Dr. Lewis and Ibarra, first to the ASB and Class Officers, Valedictorian and Salutatorians then the rest of the graduates, as friends, families and classmates cheered.
Dr. Lewis and Associate Superintendent Ibarra take photos with the grads and their diplomas as classmates await their turn.
Class President Galiwango led the class in the turning of the tassels before they celebrated with hugs and tossing of their caps, before the recessional song of “It’s About Da** Time” played.
The DVHS ASB, 2023 class officers and fellow grads celebrate.
The Antioch High School Class of 2023 grads celebrate on Friday morning, June 9, 2023. Photos by Selena Cedano.
By Selena Cedano & Allen D. Payton
The 413 graduates of the Antioch High School Class of 2023 celebrated with their family and friends inside Eells Stadium Friday morning, June 9. They filed in to the traditional sounds of Pomp and Circumstance followed by a performance by the Music Masters, led by Director Katelyn Mason, of the National Anthem and “Not to Say Goodbye”.
The AHS Class of 2023 grads enter Eells Stadium to the sounds of Pomp & Circumstance.
ASB President, and 2022 Antioch Youth of the Year, Mateo Ismael Castro offered welcoming remarks. “Just remember, even though we go our separate ways we remain in each other’s hearts and always hold the ones you love in your heart. Hold them dearly,” he said. “Cherish the people around you because tomorrow is not promised, and hate can’t be taken back. Always be kind, hug each other and love one another. Laugh with your loved ones. Take breaths, smile when you can and always tell that person you love them. Never stay mad at each other because tomorrow everything can be gone.”
ASB President Mateo Ismael Castro welcomes all to the commencement, first year Principal John Jimno addresses his first graduating class and Superintendent Stephanie Anello accepts the graduates on behalf of the school board.
He was followed by Principal John Jimno in his first year in the position.
“Keep going in life. We are so proud of your achievements and accomplishments throughout these past years,” he shared.
Valedictorian Ruben Sandoval Ruiz offered encouraging comments to his classmates.
“Stand together through tough times,” he said. “Be your best self. Love yourself. Take challenges. Be brave.”
AHS Class of 2023 Valedictorian Ruben Sandoval Ruiz and Salutatorian Zachary David White speak to their classmates.
Salutatorian Zachary David White reflected on their four years in high school.
“The pain of the pandemic made us. The growth changed us,” he stated. “Stay positive in life even when it’s hard.”
The grads celebrate as they receive their diplomas.
Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha officially acknowledged the class on behalf of the school board.
“Life is full of surprises. Take it as it comes. Be wise”, she said.
Before accepting the class for meeting the state and district requirements to graduate, Superintendent Stephanie Anello said, “No dream or goal is ever too big for what you can accomplish. Think big. Reach high.
Several graduates decorated their caps with special messages.
Senior Class President Carol Cervantes spoke last before leading the graduates in the turning of their tassels. “When we are down in our time of need, be a friend,” she said. “Be kind in a big world.”
The graduates then celebrated their shared accomplishment with hugs and a few tossing their caps, as family and friends cheered.
The Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2023 graduates turn their tassels to end the commencement ceremonies on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Photos by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
After the 153 graduates of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School’s Class of 2023 filed into the Deer Valley High quad amphitheater to the traditional sounds of Pomp and Circumstance, senior and fellow graduate Rosaly Crisp sang the National Anthem and ASB President Arana Amin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Principal Karen Clark then introduced local dignitaries, including school board Trustees Gary Hack, Mary Rocha and Antonio Hernandez, and Superintendent Stephanie Anello.
The DLMHS grads enter the Deer Valley quad amphitheater to Pomp & Circumstance on Thursday, June 9, 2023.
“It’s a great day to be back at Dozier Libbey Medical High School but it’s an even better day to be graduating,” said Area 1 Trustee Hernandez, a Class of 2012 alum of the school, during his opening remarks.
He was followed by Commencement Speaker and Class of 2023 graduate Briana Galindo.
Senior Class President Saniya Maka leads her classmates in the turning of the tassels. Commencement speaker Briana Galindo shares her thoughts.
“We learned to be creative…and stay strong during times of uncertainty,” she said about their experience during distance learning of the COVID pandemic.
“Class of 2023, these past four years we’ve all grown as individuals. We’ve embraced the values we were taught from the beginning,” Galindo continued. “Dozier-Libbey prepared us. Let these four years be the foundation of what we can do and what we are capable of. I’m proud of you all. We will continue to persevere, chase our ambitions and become the change makers.”
In closing she thanked their teachers and parents.
Vice Principal Mark Libbey reads the graduates’ names. Principal Karen Clark addresses the Class of 2023.
After the presentation of the Class of 2023 by Principal Clark, she spoke of the students’ experience during distance learning.
“The challenges…you’ve faced have forever shaped all of us…managing your own time,” she said. “Together we conquered many, many obstacles.”
“It is our hope that DLMHS has instilled the qualities of compassion, empathy and understanding… navigating the complex career of healthcare or any other career you will pursue,” Clark added.
Many of the grads decorated their caps with special messages.
Superintendent Anello accepted the class having completed the graduation requirements of the Antioch Unified School District and State of California. “Henceforth you are to be considered graduates and alumni of Dozie-Libbey Medical High School. Congratulations,” she said.
The grads cheer on their classmates as they receive their diplomas.
As their names were read by Principal Clark and Vice Principal Mark Libbey, the son of one of the namesakes of the school, the graduates were presented their diplomas by Trustees Hernandez and Rocha.
Valedictorian Aimee Elizabeth Albanese receives her diploma from Trustee Antonio Hernandez. Salutatorian Tyson Jade Lee receives his from Trustee Mary Rocha.
Class President Saniya Maka led her classmates in the turning of their tassels and the graduates celebrated, hugged and tossed their caps in the air as their family and friends cheered and the song Don’t Stop Believing by Journey played during the recessional.
The DLMHS Class of 2023 grads celebrate their shared accomplishment.
Dozier-Libbey Medical High School junior Jewel Milan-Rose Baker.
Honored with Award of Excellence; plans to be a neuro or general surgeon
ANTIOCH, CALIFORNIA — Jewel Milan-Rose Baker, an 11th grader and honor student at Dozier-Libbey Medical High School in Antioch, California has been chosen as a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders to be held June 21-23, 2023, just outside Boston, on the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus.
The Congress is an honors-only program by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country interested in these careers, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.
Baker’s nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists to represent Dozier-Libbey Medical High School based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.
“I’m happy to announce my nomination for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence for outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and determination to serve humanity in medicine,” Baker stated. “It is a gift and an excellent opportunity I look forward to participating in.”
During the three-day Congress, Baker will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients discuss leading medical research; be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.
About her future plans Baker says, “I aim to become a neuro or general surgeon.”
For now, she is a member of the school’s Key Club, will be participating as a member of the Leadership Club and plans to run for senior class vice-president in the fall of 2023-24. Outside of school, her hobbies include reading and gardening. Baker also enjoys volunteering at the Antioch Library, lending a hand at the senior center when needed, and spending time with family and friends as much as possible. As a former Oakland School of the Arts student, she enjoyed the theater performance in which she studied.
Certified in CPR, Baker is an avid swimmer and this summer, she will be working her first job as a lifeguard at Hurricane Harbor Waterpark in Concord, CA.
This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially. Focused, bright and determined students like Jewel Baker are our future and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her.
The Academy offers free services and programs to students who want to become physicians or go into medical science. Some of the services and programs the Academy offers are online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by physicians and medical students; and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance and much more.
The National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists was founded on the belief that we must identify prospective medical talent at the earliest possible age and help these students acquire the necessary experience and skills to take them to the doorstep of this vital career. Based in Washington, D.C. and with offices in Boston, MA, the Academy was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help address this crisis by working to identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to the service of humanity as physicians, medical scientists.
By Marisa Greenberg, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 4CD
Dr. Pamela Ralston
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) has selected Dr. Pamela Ralston as the seventh permanent president of Los Medanos College (LMC). The 4CD Governing Board will vote on ratification of her contract at their June 14, 2023, meeting. The announcement was made following a search that began in February 2023.
“Dr. Ralston brings tremendous experience and commitment to improving student success and student equity by working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators,” said Interim Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh. “Through the development and support of strong, innovative programs, and in designing a supportive environment where both students and staff feel respected and appreciated, I am confident we have chosen a leader who is a great fit for 4CD, Los Medanos College, and the East County community.”
Over the course of a two-decade career in public higher education, Dr. Ralston has served as the Interim President at Los Medanos College, President at Santiago Canyon College, and Executive Vice President of Educational Programs at Santa Barbara City College, where she led the academic and student services programs. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, Dr. Ralston has worked to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, with special attention to the strengths that their cultural backgrounds and ethnic identities bring to their college experiences.
Dr. Ralston earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon and Master of Arts and doctoral degrees from the University of Washington in Comparative Literature. “I am honored to be selected to lead this incredible higher education institution,” said Dr. Ralston. “I am eager to help maintain and expand LMC’s legacy of educational excellence, promote community college as a great choice for our students, while building stronger connections and partnerships with our community.”
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves a population of 1,200,997 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.
To promote access to effective civic engagement and service learning for 12th graders
AUSD is pleased to announce that we have been awarded the California Serves Grant, a total of $499,911.00 in grant monies. The 2022 California State Budget established the California Serves Program (California Education Code [EC] Section 51475), a collaboration between the California Department of Education (CDE) and CaliforniaVolunteers. The California Serves Program will promote access to effective service learning for students in grade twelve, with the goal of expanding access for high school graduates in obtaining a State Seal of Civic Engagement through service learning.
According to the CDA website, “On September 10, 2020, the State Board of Education adopted criteria and guidance to award a State Seal of Civic Engagement to California students who demonstrate excellence in civics education and participation, and an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system of government.” (Note: California has a Republican Form of Government, as required of all states to be admitted to the Union, and is guaranteed by the U.S. as written in Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution).
AUSD California Serves Grant Plan
The Learning through Serving project will implement a new two-course sequence to engage all AUSD students in meaningful civics education that incorporates high-quality democratic education, civic-mindedness, community engagement, and experiential learning through an evidence-based approach. The initiative will expand access and promote equity by allowing all AUSD 12th-grade students to complete the State Seal of Civics Education – a credential to which AUSD students currently do not have access.
With Learning through Serving, AUSD will finalize implementing a new course sequence for the senior year of high school, starting in the 2024-2025 school year. This sequence includes a newly approved Ethnic Studies course that pushes students to think more deeply about the world around them, including race, culture, interaction, civic engagement, and inspirational action to improve society. We will also create a new capstone project course to build onto the Ethnic Studies course, creating a year-long sequence for all Antioch seniors.
This new course sequence would become a required component of the program of study, with all AUSD 12th grade students completing the courses. Over the three-year project, an estimated 2,788 students will complete the courses across three high schools. Through increased engagement and opportunities for meaningful reflection, AUSD will indirectly address student connectedness, motivation, and participation. Additionally, the combination of professional development, education, training, and expanded course delivery will increase district-wide capacity to support long-term improvements in student academic, personal, and social-emotional outcomes.
Matthew Kritscher, Ed.D., Claire Oliveros, Ph.D., Pamela Ralston, Ph.D., and James E. Todd, Ph.D. Source: CCCD
Meet the candidates during in-person forums Monday, May 11
By Marisa Greenberg, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Contra Costa Community College District
The Contra Costa Community College District (District) announces the selection of four finalists for the position of President of Los Medanos College. The finalists are: Matthew Kritscher, Ed.D., Claire Oliveros, Ph.D., Pamela Ralston, Ph.D., and James E. Todd, Ph.D.
Four separate in-person forums have been scheduled for May 11, 2023, on the Los Medanos College Pittsburg campus. Employees, students, and community members are invited to attend the forums, which will last 60 minutes each, beginning at 11:30 a.m., and will be recorded. A detailed public forum schedule, recordings of each forum, and an online survey to provide feedback on the candidates will be available on the District website at www.4cd.edu.
Dr. Matthew Kritscher
Dr. Kritscher has dedicated his career to advancing student diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and social justice serving diverse communities in public higher education in California Community Colleges and Universities for over three decades. As an educational leader including eleven years as Dean and almost ten years as Vice President of Student Services at Chabot College, Dr. Kritscher is passionate about eliminating student equity gaps, and providing support for students who are farthest from opportunity. Dr. Kritscher holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from San Francisco State University. He graduated from the first cohort of the university’s inaugural doctoral program. He also holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from California Polytechnic State University in education and recreation. Dr. Kritscher conducted applied research on “How peer mentors affect the persistence of community college students of color” as a participant researcher at his own institution to better understand the live experiences of the students he serves and how to best support them.
In the community, Dr. Kritscher served as a founding member on the Governing Board for the Mid-Alameda County Consortium of Adult Education Programs, and across the District as President Emeritus of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Administrators’ Association. He is also a President Emeritus of the statewide California Community Colleges Student Success and Support Program Professionals (Matriculation) Association that conducted legislative advocacy, professional development, and liaison services to the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Dr. Kritscher has received numerous awards for his work with supporting student access, equity, social justice, and success in public higher education including a Chancellor’s Award, several Unity Awards, Chabot College Striving Black Brothers Coalition Award, and an Educator of Excellence Award from the African American Regional Education Alliance.
To enhance equitable transfer student pathways, Dr. Kritscher is a founding Co-Principal Investigator of the East Bay College Agile Network (EBCAN), a regional partnership between Chabot-Las Positas Community College District and California State University, East Bay. This regional collaborative leverages external and internal resources as well as policy and practice transformation to eliminate barriers to student transfer.
Dr. Kritscher has served as the Principal Investigator and Project Director on numerous federal, state, and private grants, strategically advancing integrated projects toward institutionalization in support of increasing diversity, access, equity, and success. Dr. Kritscher has also led numerous capital projects to better meet the needs of diverse student populations and facilitating student retention and success.
Dr. Kritscher and his wife, Susan Truong, grew up in the bay area, and have championed support for students farther from opportunity through partnership with non-profit organizations where they have mentored low-income, first generation foster youth to attend and complete college. They love gardening, outdoor activities and supporting their communities through volunteering.
Dr. Claire Oliveros
Dr. Oliveros is a social justice educator, scholar and equity practitioner with over 28 years of professional experience in higher education. Claire is the inaugural Vice President of Institutional Equity & Research and Planning at Cosumnes River College (CRC), a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American, Native American-Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) located in Sacramento, CA. She oversees the division for college planning, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Antiracism (DEIA) strategic initiatives. Claire manages a multi-million-dollar budget which includes the departments of HSI and AANAPISI federally funded grant programs, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research and Planning, Center for Professional Development, Center for Inclusion & Belonging, Hawk Cares Center for Basic Needs and Housing Resources, Student Life, and Title IX/Equity Compliance. Prior to this role, Claire served as Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management at CRC.
Before relocating to California, Claire was the Assistant Provost for Student Success Initiatives at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, VA, and the Executive Dean of Student Development and Learning Resources at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, OR. Claire served in various leadership positions at Portland Community College including the Director of TRIO Student Support Services, Interim Director of the District Office of Equity, and Inclusion, founding Coordinator of the Multicultural Center, adjunct Women’s Studies Faculty, and as a part-time Academic Advisor.
Claire is a first-generation college graduate earning a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Western Oregon University, Master of Science in Educational Policy, Foundations and Administrative Studies at Portland State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Oregon State University. Claire has over 20 years of volunteer experience and community involvement. She was founding chair of the Portland Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines and served as a board member of the Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families and Community. Her higher education service includes the AANAPISI Sacramento Regional Cooperative, Community College League of California, and American Association of Community Colleges.
Claire is a dedicated educational leader with a deep commitment to equity-mindedness and servant leadership. Claire enjoys spending time with her family, attending her son’s soccer games, listening to podcasts, and exploring new restaurants.
Dr. Pamela Ralston
Over the course of a two-decade career in public higher education, Pamela Ralston has been dedicated to the powerful transformation that community colleges provide students, faculty, and the communities we serve. She is committed to working with faculty, staff, and administrators to improve student success and student equity through the creation and support of strong, innovative programs and a rewarding working environment. Dr. Ralston has served as the Interim President at Los Medanos College, President at Santiago Canyon College, and Executive Vice President of Educational Programs at Santa Barbara City College, where she led the academic and student services programs.
Dr. Ralston also served as Vice President for Student Learning at College of the Desert, in Palm Desert, CA. Prior to that, she enjoyed eight years as Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. Before moving into administration, Dr. Ralston was faculty member and division chair of English and Written Communications at Tacoma Community College, where she taught composition, American Ethnic Literature and developmental studies in writing and reading. Before joining TCC, she served as lecturer at the University of Washington in American Ethnic Studies.
Pamela Ralston has her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon and her Master of Arts and doctoral degrees from the University of Washington in Comparative Literature, where she taught as a graduate student in the Comparative Literature, English and American Ethnic Studies Departments. She has earned excellence in teaching awards from both Tacoma Community College and the University of Washington, and she was honored with a Fulbright fellowship for doctoral research at the Royal Library and University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education, Pamela Ralston has worked to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, with special attention to the strengths that their cultural backgrounds and ethnic identities bring to their college experiences. Over the course of her career, Dr. Ralston has participated in and led numerous, successful change efforts, working to increase the access and achievement of first-generation students of color by working to make colleges ready for all students. She has led curricular redesign, student services program innovation, strategic enrollment, new facilities design, and fund-raising campaigns and grant applications. Deeply invested in the connections between Los Medanos College and the cities it serves, Dr. Ralston is committed to civic engagement. She seeks to deepen relationships and partnerships with school districts, non-profit organizations, civic organizations, and industry across East Contra Costa County.
Pamela lives with her wife, Chris, an attorney, in Pittsburg and Morro Bay, CA. They’re fond of walks along central coast beaches, reading, cooking and are active in their church and community organizations.
Dr. James Todd
Dr. Todd has over 15 years of experience in instruction and student services in California community colleges. He has held a variety of positions, including Professor, Academic Senate President, Accreditation Liaison Officer, Chief Student Services Officer, and Chief Instructional Officer. He has also served as an elected faculty representative on the statewide Executive Committee for the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, and he maintains a strong commitment to participatory governance and an inclusive style of educational leadership. James is currently the Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Student Services at Sierra College. He was previously the Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Instruction and Planning at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton and the Vice President of Student Services at Modesto Junior College.
James is a transformational leader who grounds his philosophy and practice in principles of equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion. He is passionate about fostering access and opportunity for underserved populations, meeting the needs of local communities, facilitating student success and completion, building public and private partnerships, and ensuring equitable post-graduation outcomes for students. He has participated in national reform movements, such as Achieving the Dream, to improve student equity and institutional outcomes, and he has been involved in leading efforts on local campuses to enact Guided Pathways and student-centered strategies for student success.
James graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Brevard Community College in Florida and went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and International Relations from New College of Florida, a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology at The George Washington University, and Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Cultural Anthropology at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
James has recently completed the Aspen Institute College Excellence Presidential Fellowship Program, the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management, and the California Education Policy Fellowship Program at the Education Insights Center (CSU Sacramento).
About 4CD
The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.
