Copyright© 2007 by School Services of California, Inc.

                                      Volume 20                   For Publication Date: July 20, 2007             No. 16

First Woman to Lead Largest
Higher Education System in the World! 

On July 9, 2007, the Board of Governors (BOG) for the California Community Colleges appointed Dr. Diane Woodruff as the Interim Chancellor. 

According to Board President Kay Albiani, “The Board of Governors has made a historic decision by naming the first woman to lead the largest higher education system in the world. We as a Board are impressed with Dr. Woodruff’s executive experience, management style, administrative background, breadth of knowledge of our community college system, and commitment to students.” 

The California Community Colleges is the largest higher education system in the nation, comprised of 72 districts and 109 colleges with more than 2.5 million students per year. Dr. Woodruff has more than 25 years of community college experience, including experience as the former Interim President/CEO and Vice President of the Community College League of California. Prior to coming to the League, she served as the Superintendent/President of Napa Valley College for ten years. 

Woodruff received her bachelor of arts and masters degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. She received her doctorate of education from the University of Southern California. In a statement released from the Chancellor’s Office, Woodruff made the following statement, “I am passionate about the mission of California’s community colleges and our role in providing the highest quality instruction and student services to our 2.5 million students. Community college education has been my life’s work. I have seen first hand the difference that community colleges make in our students’ lives and our impact on the economic health and vitality of California.”                                                                                     

Dr. Woodruff will succeed Chancellor Marshall (Mark) Drummond, who will return to become Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District later this month. Woodruff will begin her duties on August 1, 2007, and will serve for one year in the position. 

—Jamillah Moore, Ed.D.