As we begin a new academic year, it is a time for new beginnings, the continuation of hard work, and the opportunity to reflect and thank those who have come before us. I would like to take this time to thank the Skyline College community for welcoming me so graciously over the past 9 months. I have enjoyed every minute of my time at Skyline College so far. It is important to recognize the good work of those who have come before us, paving the way for our current experiences. With this sentiment in mind, I want to thank past Interim Dean of Counseling, Nohel Corral for his leadership and work both as the Interim Dean and as the Director of TRiO Student Support Services. Please join me in wishing Nohel well, as he has accepted a senior administrative position at Long Beach City College last month.
In the spirit of new beginnings and a new academic year, we are fortunate to have a new Interim TRiO Director, Arash Daneshzadeh, join our Skyline College community. Arash joined us in July and brings a myriad of professional experience with student support programs, including TRiO—of which he is both staff as well as student alumnus. Most recently, Arash has served as Assistant Director of First-Generation Outreach at Stanford University, President and Chair of Education Programs on behalf of TRiO’s political action arm, WESTOP, and Director of Community Programs in the Mission District of San Francisco. Arash is also completing his dissertation towards his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, where the center of his praxis is focused on the relationship between Restorative Justice curricula and identity development among African American males in urban schools. His experience and dedication to empowering students to reach their educational and personal goals will serve our TRiO students well. Please join me in welcoming Arash Daneshzadeh to Skyline College!
Sincerely,
Dr. Angelica Garcia, Dean of Counseling
