Notice is hereby given that the Antelope Valley Community College District will hold open forums for the final candidates of the position of Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Equity and Student Achievement and the forums are free and open to the public. The one-hour forums will be held in person at the AVC Lancaster Campus in the Cafeteria (SCT) during the days and times specified below.

Candidates will discuss their preparation for the position, education, leadership philosophy, and views on significant issues related to the position. The Public will have the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to the position and the candidate’s experience by submitting questions beforehand to be read by a moderator. Should you wish to participate in the open forum, submit your questions no later than 11:59 pm, Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the following link: Question Submission Form. At the conclusion of the forums, you are encouraged to provide feedback until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the following link: Candidate Feedback Form. If you require an accommodation for these events please contact the college, by sending an email to accessiblity@avc.edu.

For questions related to this process, please contact Ana Patin at 661-722-6300 ext. 6116 or ana.patin@avc.edu.

OPEN FORUM SCHEDULE:
 

• CANDIDATE 1: Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins
  • Monday, August 5, 2024 at 4:00 pm
     
• CANDIDATE 2: Dr. Moises Salinas Fleitman
  • Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 12:00 pm
     
• CANDIDATE 3: Dr. Rebecca Farley
  • Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 4:00 pm
     
• CANDIDATE 4: Dr. Mark Figueroa
  • Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm
     
• CANDIDATE 5: Dr. William Syms
  • Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 4:00 pm

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Position Description

INTRODUCTION:

Under the direction of the Superintendent/President, the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, Equity & Student Achievement is a new cabinet position that supports and advances a campus culture of diversity, equity inclusion, accessibility, and cultural humility and is responsible for leadership, planning, direction, coordination, general supervision, budgeting, implementation and evaluation of areas, program, and initiatives directly relating to Equity and Student Achievement. Collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and managers across campus, the Vice President provides strategic direction, leadership, and planning to support the mission of Antelope Valley Community College District and the strategic plan AVC SERVES. The Vice President serves on the senior management team as a member of the President’s Executive Council and Cabinet and contributes to strategic planning for the College, equitable leadership of the Equity & Student Achievement unit, and long-term growth of the campus.

This position requires a commitment to facilitate the journey to Equity and remove barriers to Student Achievement to fulfill the comprehensive mission of the Vision 2030; to increase student access, retention, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), and completion; and to support the attainment of institutional and student learning outcomes. The major areas of responsibility for this position are planning, developing, coordinating, managing and evaluating the human, fiscal, and physical resources in the College’s Equity & Student Achievement programs. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (E) = denotes essential duties of the position

• Provides strategic, equity inspired direction, leadership, and planning for Equity & Student Achievement in supporting the mission of the Antelope Valley Community College District to serve students and the community. (E)
• Supervises the Office of Equity & Student Achievement and the deans and/or directors. Service areas include Institutional Effectiveness, Research & Planning; Library; Learning Center; Grants and Innovation; student affinity groups and programs (e.g. UMOJA, PUENTE, LGBTQIA+, Veterans, Dreamers, Focus 180, etc.). (E)
• Contributes equity-focused leadership to the strategic plans for the College, and for the improvement of the Equity & Student Achievement programs. (E)
• Provides leadership in implementing and utilizing technology to enhance Equity & Student Achievement programs and services. (E)
• Provides leadership for Equity & Student Achievement in support of the accreditation process. (E)
• Direct, coordinate, and provide leadership for all components for the Student Equity Plan. (E)
• Assist in the development of the student equity plan and coordinate with the Student Success Plan, Basic Skills Plan and departments within Student Services and Academic Affairs to improve student access and success. (E)
• Provide leadership in coordinating professional development for the campus. (E)
• Recommends Equity & Student Achievement personnel needs and, as appropriate, participates in the hiring process. (E)
• Coordinates the preparation of the annual budget for the Equity & Student Achievement component of the College and is responsible for the Office of Equity & Student Achievement and program budgets; assists in the preparation of the district budget. (E)
• Directs, supervises, develops and evaluates assigned administrators, managers, academic, and classified personnel; recommends employment, directs the assignment and evaluation of all Equity & Student Achievement personnel. (E)
• Works collegially with participatory governance committees and all college personnel and constituencies in accordance with the participatory governance policy. (E)
• Participates and works effectively in the collective bargaining process as needed. (E)
• Coordinates the preparation and timely submission of required state reports pertaining to Equity & Student Achievement programs. (E)
• Coordinates the utilization of facilities and office space and participates in master planning;for campus Equity & Student Achievement programs and facilities. (E)
• Reviews, recommends, and coordinates grant-funded projects for Equity & Student Achievement programs, following local process. (E)
• Represents the College in community-based Equity & Student Achievement partnerships, working closely with community leaders and groups to maintain and enhance the partnership between the College and the community. (E)
• Provides leadership and develops partnerships with high schools, colleges, and other educational institutions to cultivate enrollment and promote equitable access to education. (E)
• Holds membership and actively participates in appropriate professional and community organizations.
• On a rotational basis with other Cabinet officers, serves as acting Superintendent/President in his/her absence.
• Represents Equity & Student Achievement to other divisions, departments, elected officials, and outside agencies. (E)
• Performs such other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent/President. (E)

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Meet the Candidates

CANDIDATE 1:

DR. LISA COOPER WILKINS

CANDIDATE STATED OBJECTIVE:

I have deliberately cultivated a career of service to students with an emphasis on access, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and success. I take pride in being a culturally responsive leader who is deeply committed to the transformational power of the community college and the multiple pathways to success it affordably creates for students. I believe that students, faculty, and staff with all of their multiple identities must feel seen, heard, and directly engaged in making necessary systemic changes to our institutions.

Appointed the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at City College of San Francisco in 2020, I navigated various faculty, administrative and staff positions in my career from being the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services at Delta College, Dean in Academic Affairs at Community College of Philadelphia, Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement as well as Interim Assistant Provost at University of Pacific - all in service to students, my colleagues and profession, I prioritize holistically supporting and empowering students and employees. With deep respect for the direct impact that employees make to our students, I believe that when employees feel valued and supported, they show up as the best versions of themselves with greater capacity to elevate student success.

In my current role, I have partnered with the institutional advancement and effectiveness team to actively focus on continuous improvement by ensuring equitable access to student services at all locations, leading accreditation efforts related to student affairs, seeking ways to enhance the integration of planning and budgeting, and enacting participatory governance improvements based on evaluation results. I have also collaboratively created greater connections between the divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs as well as advanced external relations by enhancing partnerships with area colleges, community-based organizations, the local unified school district as well as the City and County of San Francisco.

I am the proud recipient of the 2024 Senior Level Professional Award from the American College Personnel Association’s Senior-Level Community of Practice; the 2020 Distinguished Career/Professional Service Award from Delta Kappa Gamma International Society; the San Joaquin Pride Center’s 2018 Education Champion Award; and the NAACP’s 2017 Medgar Evers Freedom Fighter Award.

I completed her doctoral degree at the George Washington University in Higher Education Administration in addition to master’s degrees from Villanova University in Counseling and Human Relations and Psychological Services from Marymount University. I remain actively engaged in public and professional service with a focus on mentoring, early literacy initiatives, and scholarship fundraising.

EDUCATION:
Ed.D., Higher Education Administration – The George Washington University
M.A., Psychological Services Counseling – Marymount University
M.S., Counseling and Human Relations – Villanova University
B.A., History and International Relations – Goucher College

MOST RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE: 
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs – City College of San Francisco
12/2020 to Present

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CANDIDATE 2:

DR. MOISES SALINAS FLEITMAN

CANDIDATE STATED OBJECTIVE:

I am an accomplished executive leader with over 20 years of experience in the higher education sector. Holding a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, an MA in Psychology from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico, an MSc in Counseling from Central Connecticut State University, and a Bachelor's Degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, I possess a robust academic background that underpins my professional achievements. My career has been marked by a strong commitment to strategic leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In 2013, I was entrusted by World ORT, one of the largest global education NGOs, to spearhead a groundbreaking initiative: the establishment of ORT University Mexico, the first university in Latin America focused on empowering young students from vulnerable groups as agents of social change. As the founding President the University, I created an institution that, in a few short years, became a nationally recognized leader in social responsibility, human rights and sustainability programs. Under my leadership, the university developed innovative academic programs and strategic partnerships with government agencies, private sector organizations, and foundations. Today, the University has over 1,300 students every year, has secured over $30 million in funding, and has been recognized with grants and awards by institutions like the U.S. Agency for International Development and United Way Mexico.

Prior to my role at ORT University, I served as Academic Director and Dean at Hebraica University, where I implemented evidence-based strategies to enhance instructional quality and foster a culture of excellence. My initiatives led to national accreditation for several academic programs, significantly improving student outcomes and increasing enrollment.

My dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion has been a cornerstone of my career, both as an administrator and a faculty member. As Chief Diversity Officer, I led comprehensive DEI initiatives and developed programs to support underrepresented students, creating pathways for marginalized groups to thrive academically and personally. I am a renowned author and public speaker on topics related to education, diversity and peace. My research on stereotype threat, discrimination and peacebuilding, conducted alongside renowned colleagues such as Professors Joshua Aronson and Claude Steele, has been widely recognized for its impact on public education and diversity initiatives. For my contributions, I have been recognized by publications such as the Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education and the Education Digest, underscoring my dedication to re-acculturating racial stereotypes and promoting diversity in academia.

EDUCATION:
Ph.D., Educational Psychology – University of Texas at Austin
M.Sc., Counseling – Central Connecticut State University
M.A, Psychology – Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico
B.A., Education and Psychology – Hebrew University of Jerusalem

MOST RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE:
President – ORT University 
8/2013 to Present

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CANDIDATE 3:

DR. REBECCA FARLEY

CANDIDATE STATED OBJECTIVE:

Over my twenty-six-year career in education, I have focused on developing instructional practices and systems that provide students with transformational learning experiences. I joined Kern Community College District in 2021, first serving as Dean of Instruction, then Associate Vice President of Instruction. I currently serve Kern CCD as Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Success Programs and Innovation.  In this role, I oversee the Kern CCD Early College/Dual Enrollment program, which serves more than 19,000 enrollments annually.  I am also leading Kern CCD’s pathway partnership development with Morehouse School of Medicine.  As BC Dean of Instruction I supported Academic Technology, Art, Communication, Library, Philosophy, and Performing Arts. I also serve on numerous BC committees and teams, such as Enrollment Management (admin chair); Professional Development (admin chair); Arts, Communication, and Humanities (ACH) Pathway (admin chair); New Faculty Seminar; Guided Pathways Strategy; College Council; Equity Plan; Persistence; and the Educational Master Plan.

Prior to joining Kern CCD, I served as Director of Dual Enrollment at West Hills College Coalinga. Additionally, I served as Senior Director of Wonderful Agriculture Career Prep for Wonderful Education.  In this role I supported and oversaw the development of industry-aligned early college associate degree pathway programs across multiple California community college and K12 districts. I also taught English at the secondary level for fifteen years, as well as taught Education at the community college level, and have served as a county and university supervisor for new teacher induction programs.

Externally, I served a year-long leadership fellowship with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), and a term as a Resnick Leadership Fellow at the Aspen Institute. Relatedly, I have spoken at the state and national level on topics such as persistence, economic mobility, early college and career pathway development, enrollment management, and comprehensive student support services.

I hold associate and baccalaureate degrees in English (Bakersfield College; University of California, Los Angeles); master’s degrees in Education (Claremont Graduate University) and Educational Administration (California State University, Bakersfield); credentials in teaching and educational administration (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing); and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership (Brandman University/University of Massachusetts).

EDUCATION:
Ed.D., Organizational Leadership – Brandman University
M.A., Education – California State University, Bakersfield
M.Ed., Education – Claremont Graduate University
B.A., English – University of California, Los Angeles
A.A., English – Bakersfield College

MOST RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE:
Associate Vice Chancellor – Kern Community College District
8/2023 to Present

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CANDIDATE 4:

DR. MARK FIGUEROA

CANDIDATE STATED OBJECTIVE:

I most recently served at the Vice President for Planning and Development at Moreno Valley College, where I oversaw institutional effectiveness, guided pathways, marketing and grants administration. I also led strategic enrollment management efforts and during my tenure at MVC, the college saw over 20% enrollment growth in two years.

Prior to my move to Moreno Valley College, I served as the Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning and Dean for Equity and Inclusion at Lewis & Clark College. At Lewis & Clark College, I led accreditation, institutional research, strategic planning and equity and inclusion efforts. In addition to my administrative appointments, I also served as a faculty member, director and clinical coordinator in the Graduate School of Education and Counseling. I also served as an assistant defensive coach for the Lewis & Clark football team for 9 seasons.

I am an affiliated faculty member and senior research fellow at Claremont Graduate University, where I teach courses and direct doctoral dissertations.

For the last 18 years, I have served as a coach for Achieving the Dream, a national student success network. I have coached 25 colleges across 11 states, including 3 tribal colleges and 12 Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

I have held administrative and faculty appointments at Scripps College, Saint Mary’s College of California, California State University – Los Angeles, California Institute of Technology and Claremont Graduate University.

I hold undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Chicano Studies from University of California, Riverside, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Education, with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration, from Claremont Graduate University.

As a proud child of the hip hop generation, I bring the framework of that culture—improvisation, creativity, and innovation—to my work in higher education, all aspects I feels are necessary to move higher education into its next phase.

EDUCATION:
Ph.D., Education - Higher Education Administration – Claremont Graduate University
M.A., Public Administration – Arizona State University
B.A., Philosophy Law & Society – University of California, Riverside

MOST RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE:
Vice President, Planning & Development – Moreno Valley College
12/2021 to Present

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CANDIDATE 5:

DR. WILLIAM SYMS

CANDIDATE STATED OBJECTIVE:

I am a collaborative community educator and advocate with extensive experience in higher education and social justice leadership. I serve as the Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion at Sierra College, leading efforts to promote systemic access, support, and opportunities for students in the Sacramento region. My work centers data-informed practices that close equity gaps for underrepresented and underserved student populations while increasing success for all Sierra College students. I have led Non-Credit and Adult Education, TRIO programs, and served as a faculty member. My professional journey includes national recognition for leadership within Amnesty International USA, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the United States House of Representatives, and the City of Pasadena.

At Sierra College, I manage significant funding, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Under my leadership, retention and persistence rates for disproportionately impacted students have increased significantly. My scholarship includes revising the Guided Pathways Strategic and Student Equity and Achievement plans. My leadership of grant efforts expands categorical programming, advancing instruction and student services through various programs, including the Native American Student Success and Support Program, Umoja, Unidos, Pride, Rising Scholars, emerging AANHPI student programming, and the HSI Vision Taskforce. I also served at Pasadena City College, where I managed instructional operations and student services programming, resulting in significant increases in program completion and growth of the dual enrollment middle college at Pasadena City College Northwest. I hold a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Clark Atlanta University, a master's degree in public administration from California State University Northridge, and a doctoral degree in education from the University of Southern California.

Beyond my professional accomplishments, my wife, Shauna, and I are raising two children, August and Ellington. My family is passionate about supporting community efforts and profoundly engages with local libraries. I believe in the collective power created when equity exists and is committed to promoting a culture of inclusion and belonging. My practice is rooted in respect, empathy, and equity-minded academic theory, and I am dedicated to supporting students, faculty, and staff in achieving equitable outcomes. My leadership style is collaborative, data-informed, and action-oriented, ensuring the growth and success of my colleagues and students alike.

My experience, commitment to equity, and passion for community engagement make me a transformative leader in higher education. My work continues to impact the lives of students and the broader community, fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment.

EDUCATION:
Ed.D., Higher Education – University of Southern California
M.A., Public administration/Public Sector Leadership & Management – California State University, Northridge
B.A., Mass Media Arts/ Public Relations – Clark Atlanta University

MOST RECENT WORK EXPERIENCE:
Executive Dean of Equity & Completion – Sierra College
6/2022 to Present