Q: What do you feel you will bring to FCC, should you be selected?

A: As President of Fresno City College I will bring the breadth and depth of experience needed to do the job. I have served as president of a community college, and I know firsthand the many challenges inherent in the position. I also bring a passion for student success and I believe that FCC is a premier institution in this state; I will continue to build upon the foundation of excellence that has been laid. I have a deep respect for the traditions that FCC is known for, and I am excited about its future. I will bring a spirit of collaboration, open communication and trust. I am honest and forthright, and you will always know that I will listen and let you know where I stand on an issue. I also bring experience at the district level and familiarity with the California Community College system.

Q: What would be a few top areas of focus (i.e. parking or the O.A.B.)?

A: The first priority is to ensure that we continue to provide a quality education for our students. FCC is known throughout the Central Valley as an accessible premier institution of higher learning, and I want to build upon that reputation. For example, parking is one of the number one issues I hear about from students, and I will explore ways that we can mitigate the problem. Another way to promote accessibility is through the expansion of distance learning opportunities to meet the needs of students who are juggling family, school and work commitments. I will also work with the faculty and administration to maintain current technologies and sufficient computer labs to meet student needs.

Completion of the renovations to the Old Administration Building is extremely important, and I will take an active role in fundraising efforts in order to complete the campaign.

Q: What do you feel is the significance of all four finalists being women?

A: I believe that this is an excellent testament to the progress women have made in higher education, more specifically higher education administration. The door is now open for women to achieve so much more than when I began my career many years ago. Women today have many more choices, and they are taking advantage of opportunities. The message to our students is that they should not allow gender, race, ethnicity or other differences to dictate their career choices or achievements. Education does make the difference, and that is why I am here.