A veteran member of the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees (LRCCD) has been appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors (BOG).
Pamela Haynes, 70, who also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Community College League of California, has served on the Los Rios board for nearly 18 years, including three terms as president, according to the office of Governor Brown.
“It was exciting, honoring, and most of all humbling,” said Haynes. “Just, I’m humbled and I’m really looking forward to working and advocating on behalf of students on this board, as I have on the Los Rios board.”
Hayes said one of the issues she is most concerned with is student success, making sure the resources are there and available to students so that they can achieve their goals.
“I think we’re living in interesting times and we have good potential of making momentous changes on behalf of students and community colleges,” said Haynes.
Hayes, a Los Angeles native, began at the community college level then transferred to UCLA before attending Harvard where she earned a master’s degree in Public Administration.
Haynes decided to come to Sacramento 28 years ago and use her degree to work with community.
“She is a community college success story,” said Los Rios Chancellor Brian King. “And that experience is excellent for her service on the Board of Governors.”
The BOG sets policy and provides guidance for the 72 districts and 113 community colleges that make up the system. The 17-member board is appointed by the governor and formally interacts with state and federal officials and other organizations.
“I think it’s a thoughtful decision,” King said. “Pam has years of experience and commitment to students which make her well prepared to be an outstanding member of the Board of Governors.”
Mitchel Benson, the Los Rios public information officer, said this is very positive for students of the Los Rios district.
“I think she has dedicated the bulk of her career to student’s success,” Benson said. “This is something that is very important to her and very close to her heart.”
Hayes takes office this month with her first meeting scheduled March 21.
