It is amazing, the work that you do. One of my priorities is to ensure that more people understand the power of Skyline College. More people need to celebrate us and know the incredible work you do each and every day.
Now that I’m here with you, I can assure you that one of my goals is to broaden recognition of your hard work and the impact of this institution. We have accomplished so much, and that makes me smile every day. It should make you smile too.
And yet, even with all we’ve done, I continue to ask myself a question I want to share with you:
How can we do even more to ensure that every student who walks through our doors can access opportunity, complete their education in a timely manner, and elevate economically and socially?
This is not a simple question. If we are not careful, we can become overwhelmed by the obstacles around us. Federal legislation threatens our students, our employees, and our core commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Public trust in higher education continues to decline. The economy is uncertain—not just nationally and statewide, but in the communities we serve. Housing costs and employment challenges add further pressure.
All of these obstacles could make us doubt our ability to meet the challenge. But I believe obstacles are not meant to defeat us—they are moments that test us, that force us to pause, regain our balance, and move forward stronger.
I said this during my interview, and I believe it even more today: in higher education we can sometimes become worriers. But at Skyline, I see more than worriers—I see warriors. Warriors for this college. Warriors for our students. You are already doing the right things, but now we must do even more.
We must stay focused on access, completion, and elevation:
- Helping more students access opportunity.
- Helping more students complete their education in a timely manner.
- Helping more students elevate economically and socially.
To succeed, two qualities come to mind: courage and commitment.
I learned courage from my grandmother, a 92-year-old Black woman in Sacramento. When I was a child, she took my siblings and me to the State Fair. While we wanted to go straight to the rides, she first led us through the Exposition Hall to learn about the counties of California, the people, and our shared goals as one state. Then she quizzed us. At the time, I was disappointed. But she was teaching us the importance of hard work, community, and learning. She had the courage to do the hard thing first—and that lesson has stayed with me.
In the same way, we must have the courage to face the hard challenges before us. That is how we ensure students access opportunity, complete their education, and elevate their lives.
Along with courage, I am making three commitments this year, and I ask you to join me:
- Data-Informed Decision Making
I will lean more into using data—not just collecting it, but sharing it with you, with our community, and most importantly, using it to improve. Predictive analytics and strong data practices will make us better and help us serve students more effectively. - Accountability with Kindness
We must hold ourselves—and each other—accountable. I will hold myself accountable to report back in November with what I’ve learned about the college. Together, let’s commit to accountability in a spirit of kindness and collegiality. - Strategic Collaboration
Collaboration already happens here, but we must align it strategically. Let’s focus on increasing access to upward economic mobility. Let’s ask not only what students are doing here, but how we are positioning them for long-term success—through jobs, through transfer, and through every opportunity this college can provide.
Friends, you have been answering this question long before I arrived. My challenge to us all is that we not only celebrate what we have achieved but continue to push further.
I see you. I see your strength and your leadership. You are warriors for this college, and together we will do great things. I am here to stay, and I look forward to walking this path with you.
Let’s move forward, together, for our students. Let’s make this a great year.
