Editorial contact:

Susan Bray, ACCCA director of operations

(916) 443-3559

ACCCA Recognizes Community College Leaders

San Francisco, CA. March 17, 2007 The Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) last week presented statewide awards to six individuals and one organization individuals, recognizing them for their outstanding achievement and service to community colleges.The awards ceremony was held at the 32nd annual ACCCA conference in the San Francisco Hilton Financial District on February 22, 2007.

ACCCA presented the Mertes Award for Excellence in Community College Research to Mary Gallagher, VP Administrative Services at Los AngelesSouthwestCollege. Each year ACCCA presents the Mertes Award to honor the authors of a substantial research project or dissertation that significantly contributes to our understanding of the effectiveness of community colleges and higher education.Gallagher’s submitted valuable research on “Improving Institutional Effectiveness: The Relationship between Assessing Student Learning Outcomes & Strategic Planning in California Community Colleges.”

The ACCCA Award for Progress in Diversity went to A2MEND, a group of young educators and graduates of ACCCA Admin 101.This award recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations in their efforts to expand the concept of diversity in the wider higher education community. Mark Robinson, San FranciscoCityCollegedean of student affairs and A2MEND board member, accepted the award. A2MEND is devoted using its scholarly and professional expertise to foster institutional change within the community college system. The organization works to create an affirming academic and professional environment for African American male students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

The ACCCA Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence was presented to Pamela Deegan, Mt. San Jacinto CCD VP of instruction. This award honors a mid-level administrator whose commitment to the profession stands out among peers, demonstrating creativity, innovation and commitment.Deegan brings fresh ideas, a wealth of experience and a convivial personality to the job. She has worked in the CaliforniaCommunity College system for 23 years, most recently as vice president of instruction for six years at MiramarCollege in San Diego. Since beginning at Mt.San Jacinto, Pam has rolled up her sleeves, revamped the Schedule of Classes, which will be mailed to local residents in mid-November, and is working closely with faculty and staff to develop quality programs.

ACCCA awarded the Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award to Dr. Rocky Young, Chancellor of the Los Angeles CCD. In honor of the late Harry Buttimer, this award recognizes a community college CEO for demonstrating integrity, principle, compassion, strength in leadership and contributions to colleagues, the profession, the college and the community.Young began his career in community colleges in 1971. With an MBA from UCLA, he signed on as the business instructor at Santa MonicaCollege. By 1986 he had worked his way up the ranks of department chair and dean and began serving as vice president of academic affairs. In 1999 he assumed the role of president at Los AngelesPierceCollege and by 2004 had moved into the position of interim senior vice chancellor for the district and was then selected as chancellor of the Los Angeles CCD in July 2005.

Willard Lewallen, Victor Valley College VP of student services, won the ACCCA Volunteer of the Year Award. Established in 2000, this award honors the hard work of a member volunteer nominated by one of ACCCA’s four commissions.Lewallen is an active member of our Management Development Commission and a dedicated Regional Membership Director and Campus Rep. He contributes to our Admin 101 program as a part of the administrator’s band that plays annually at the opening banquet.

ACCCA

ACCCA (Association of California Community College Administrators) is the foremost member-supported professional organization for administrators and managers of California's 109 community college campuses. ACCCA provides insurance benefits, publications, professional development opportunities, business partnerships, advocacy, counseling and assistance to over 1200 fulltime administrators, associate members, affiliates and corporate members. For more information on ACCCA, visit the Web site at or call (916) 443-3559.

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