:: Coast Community College District dmail ::

	Board Appoints Interim Coastline Community College President

	Board Appoints Orange Coast College President

Photo: Dr. Marilyn Brock
Coastline College Interim President
Dr. Marilyn Brock

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Marilyn Brock as Interim President of Coastline Community College. Dr. Brock will begin as Interim President on January 1, 2010.

“Dr. Brock has a tremendous amount of experience in community college administration,” said Board President Jerry Patterson. “She brings with her an excellent reputation and proven knowledge of local issues that impact our colleges. We are confident that as the Interim President she will be a great asset to Coastline Community College and to our District.”

“I look forward to working with Coastline and assisting the college and the District during this time of transition,” Dr. Brock stated. “Coastline has many remarkable programs that are very unique and I am excited to be a part of such an innovative and progressive college.”

Brock will serve as Interim President at Coastline Community College while a national search is conducted for a permanent replacement. The Board of Trustees, Chancellor Currie and Dr. Brock will work together to lead Coastline Community College during a time of District-wide transition and an unprecedented budget crisis.

“California is in the midst of a devastating financial crisis. Community colleges do so much to help citizens gain new job skills and transfer credits,” said Dr. Brock. “It is up to all college employees, administrators and the board to figure out how we can continue to provide these valuable services. I look forward to working with Dr. Currie the other college presidents and the Board as we move forward in during this challenging time.”

A resident of Long Beach, Dr. Brock most recently served as the Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at Cerritos College. She has held executive administrative positions at several California Community Colleges, including Long Beach City College, Rio Hondo College and was president at Mendocino College in Ukiah. She has also served as a consultant at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. and at Heald College in San Francisco.

Dr. Brock attended California State University, Long Beach where she earned her BA and MA degrees. She earned her Ed.D. in Institutional Management from Pepperdine University. Dr. Brock has extensive teaching experience in higher education. She holds several lifetime community college credentials for instruction and administration.

“Our District is facing many challenges,” stated Chancellor Ding-Jo Currie. “We know that Dr. Brock’s extensive experience will bring strong leadership to the college as we conduct a search for a permanent president in the coming months. I look forward to working with her to ensure that Coastline, and all of our colleges, continue to serve our students and our community.”

“I am appreciative that Marilyn is willing to bring her skills and experience to Coastline Community College,” said Dr. Currie. “The college and the District will be well served by her leadership during this transition period. I look forward to working with Marilyn closely as we confront our fiscal challenges ahead.”

Board Appoints Orange Coast College President

Photo: Dr. Dennis Harkins
New OCC President,
Dr. Dennis Harkins

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to appoint Dennis Harkins, Ph.D. as President of Orange Coast College. Harkins will begin as President on January 1, 2010.

“Dr. Harkins has a great deal of experience in a large multi-college district as an administrator and a faculty member,” said Board President Jerry Patterson. “Orange Coast College has a long, proud history of fine academics and quality programs” Trustee Patterson continued. “Dr. Harkins will be a valued addition to our District leadership team as we face new challenges and opportunities at Orange Coast College. He also brings a great reputation for service within the community and at the national level which will serve Orange Coast College well.”

“I am thankful to the Board of Trustees and Chancellor Currie for giving me this opportunity,” Harkins said. “Orange Coast College is nationally known for excellent programs and I am excited to be a part of such an institution. I am privileged to have been selected to lead this amazing institution and look forward to working with Dr. Currie and the OCC faculty, staff, managers, and students.”

“The coming year will be filled with challenges,” Patterson stated. “I am positive that Dr. Harkins will bring a level of expertise in higher education leadership and a deep understanding of the national education agenda that will propel Orange Coast College to new heights.”

“I am confident that Dennis will bring a wealth of nationally recognized leadership skills and experience to Orange Coast College,” said Dr. Ding-Jo Currie, Chancellor. “I am thankful that I will have a proven leader to help me lead the District and Orange Coast College through the fiscal storm we continue to face in the wake of the state’s budget woes.”

Dr. Dennis Harkins is currently Director of Government Relations at Georgia Perimeter College in metropolitan Atlanta and previously served for ten years as Provost of the Clarkston Campus. Georgia Perimeter College is the third largest college in Georgia with a degree enrollment of 24,500 students.

Dr. Harkins is active in the community and is an experienced accreditation team member for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Dr. Harkins has also served on the American Association of Community College’s Commission on Global Education, and on the American Council on Education’s International Leadership Network, the ACE International Forum for Chief Academic Officers, and ACE International Collaborative.

Dr. Dennis Harkins earned his undergraduate BFA degree at Ohio University in Photography. He continued his studies at Ohio University and completed a Masters in International Affairs. His Ph.D. is in Education with a major in Human Resource Development and was earned at Georgia State University.

Dr. Dennis Harkins started his teaching career as a photography instructor at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale where he became Director of Photography and led the program during a period of rapid expansion and through the introduction of emerging technologies. Prior to his position of Provost of the Clarkston Campus of Georgia Perimeter College, Dr. Harkins was Vice President and Dean of Education at the Art Institute of Atlanta where he helped guide the college’s regional accreditation efforts.

Harkins, his wife, Kim, and their two children will relocate to Southern California from Brookhaven in Northeast Atlanta.

College Brings in 20 Tons of Snow for First-Annual College Fair Event

College Brings in 20 Tons of Snow for First-Annual College Fair Event

Photo: Snow on Campus

Despite inclement weather, the first-annual Coastline College Fair event drew more than 450 people from the local community as they came to discover the college’s programs and services while also enjoying snow play and sledding in the Garden Grove Center parking lot.

Organized by Coastline’s Marketing and Public Relations department, the event was designed to stimulate word-of-mouth awareness of the college and its offerings, while also providing the community with a fun, free event.

"Despite the rain, we had nearly 500 people come out to play in the snow and visit our college booths," said Michelle Ma, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "For some families, it was the first time their children ever experienced snow play or sledding, and the smiles on the kid’s faces as they raced down our hill completely convinced us to make this an annual event!”

More than fifteen tables were hosted by Coastline faculty or staff members, allowing them to speak directly with members of the community about the benefit of their courses or programs. In addition, the American Red Cross and other neighborhood groups were on-site at the event to greet attendees and provide information.

As a special treat, Senator Lou Correa attended the event to hand out books to the children. Then, dressed as Santa, Senator Correa took his own turn sledding down the man-made hill.

The college would like to recognize Sports Authority, Fountain Valley, for providing sleds for this event.

To see photos of the event, click the following link: http://picasaweb.google.com/CoastlineCollege/CoastlineCollegeSnowDay2009#.

	Rustler Round-Up

Golden West College is known throughout the state for its cosmetology, nursing, and criminal justice programs. But did you know that Golden West also is known nationally and internationally for their athletic programs?

Since the school’s opening in 1966, no other community college has won more state championships than Golden West College. In the past 44 years, Golden west has won 74 State Titles, 44 Regional Championships, and 165 Conference Championships.

As the Fall 2009 sports come to a close, GWC takes two more water polo State Championships, 2nd place in Men’s Soccer and the best Football season in years ending with at win at the Inaugural Rooster Bowl.

Men’s Football (7-4) in conference play defeating Victor Valley, San Diego Mesa, and Compton College. On October 24, Nick Mitchell and his squad set a Golden West record posting 66 points in a single game while holding visiting Compton College to 0. The Rustlers wrapped up the 2009 season on a 7 game winning streak that earned them a spot in the Rooster Bowl. This is the first bowl appearance for the Rustlers since 1975. Coach Mitchell and his squad were able to extend their season one more week with a bowl game appearance at their home stadium. Golden West defeated visiting Ventura College in overtime with a two point conversion to win the game, 37-36.

Men’s Water Polo (26-6) and (6-0) are arguably the best program in community college water polo. In their past 40 years they have become “Team November.” Where the month of November is host to the Conference Championships, Southern California Championships, and State Championships. The Golden West Men’s Water Polo program has won 39 Conference Championships, 24 Southern California Championships, and 21 State Championships. The Rustlers defeated conference rival, Riverside double sudden death overtime to advance to the second round of the state championships. Next, the Rustlers jumped on Diablo Valley early and never looked back, cruising to a 12-7 finish and a berth to the state championship game, where they would face Long Beach City College for their 6th time this season. The Rustlers opened up with a goal just 30 seconds into the game and kept the pressure on for the next 27 minutes as they sank LBCC 7-5. The Rustlers were crowned Back-to-Back State Champions.

Men’s Soccer (14-7-1) split their first round of conference games with 3 wins, 3 losses and 1 tie, and for the first time in recent history went undefeated in the 2nd round of conference play earning a spot in the playoffs. Golden West dominated San Diego City College in the first round (2-0) and met conference rivals, Santa Ana in the second round of playoffs. Coming off an 8 game winning streak, the Rustlers came out strong against the Dons of Santa Ana taking the game into overtime, the Rustler fell short dropping the game 2-3. Congratulations to a great season!

Women’s Water Polo (23-8) and (6-1) in conference action, the Lady Rustlers have posted an impressive start for the 2009 season not losing a game during the month of September to another community college. Capturing tournament titles in American River Tournament and the Long Beach Tournament, the Rustlers look to close out November in the same fashion as the season started. Southern California Championships was held at Pasadena College where the lady Rustlers defeated conference rival Fullerton College 15-9 and outlasted Chaffey College in an overtime battle for 3rd place in Southern California 10-8 and earned the last spot for the State Tournament. Golden West continued with excellent play defeating Foothill 7-4, and upsetting conference champion Riverside 8-5. The Rustlers found themselves in the State Championship game verse Long Beach City College, where they were able to win their sixth state title by defeating LBCC 6-5.

	Coast to Coast Editor Featured on "Dr. Phil"

	OCC's Sleep Disorder Program Wins 3-Year Accreditation

	OCC Wins California Women's Volleyball Title

	OCC Staff Raises $3750 for Textbook Fund

Mary Roda, Coast to Coast editor, found herself “in the news” as a guest on Dr. Phil’s holiday show, which will air Friday, Dec. 18th at 4 p.m. on CBS 2 and at 7 p.m. on KCAL 9. Mary was a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer and has mentored Sandy Phan, 18, for the past two years. Sandy graduated from La Quinta High School and now attends Golden West College, where she is goalie on the women’s soccer team. Sandy has been in and out of foster care since she was 5 years old. During the last six years she lived in a group home in Garden Grove operated by Young Life Enrichment with five other foster children (all girls).

"I helped her get onto an organized AYSO soccer team when she was 16, and that led to opportunities to play goalkeeper on her high school varsity team. When the Golden West coach expressed an interest in her, we attended a GWC game (against OCC, of course) and arranged to meet the coach. We also did visits to colleges, including OCC, where I arranged for her to have a tour from one of our Navigators, who had also been in foster care during high school. Last year Sandy was CASA’s Child of the Year (Orange County), and she was a guest speaker for a huge fundraising dinner at the Irvine Hilton. This month Sandy was the guest speaker at CASA’s holiday luncheon at Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel. Dr. Phil was also a speaker, and he invited us to be on his show."

There are approximately 3,000 foster children in Orange County. Unfortunately many of them never finish high school and end up homeless once they are emancipated.

Dr. Phil is the national spokesman for the nationwide CASA organization, which provides volunteer advocates for children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. To find out more about CASA, visit http://www.casaoc.org.

OCC’s Sleep Disorder Program Wins 3-Year Accreditation

Program is Only Accredited Offering in California

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education (CAAHEP) has extended accreditation for Orange Coast College’s Polysomnographic (PSG) Technology program, an allied health speciality for the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, for an additional three years.

Instead of requiring the program to undergo a full self-study and site visit, the commission evaluated the PSG program’s positive outcome measures such as employment success and students’ Board exam results, according to Kevin Ballinger, dean of OCC’s Consumer and Health Sciences Division.

PSG technicians help treat patients with ailments such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea and insomnia. According to national surveys, an estimated 132 million Americans suffer from sleep-related problems. Nearly two-thirds of all adults experience insufficient sleep at least three or more times each week.

The college’s PSG program is the only accredited program in California and one of 25 accredited programs in the United States. In October, the California State Senate passed Senate Bill 132 that requires certification to practice PSG.

Ballinger predicted that the new law will increase the demand for accredited programs in California, and it will enhance employment prospects for OCC’s graduates. “They are finally catching up to our cutting edge program, after we have been producing high quality graduates since we started the program in 1994,” he added.

Every other year the college accepts 24 students. Instruction includes lectures, laboratory experience on campus, clinical experience at accredited sleep centers and physician lectures. A new class will form in Fall 2011. Students who successfully complete the program receive an Associate in Science degree. OCC was one of the first accredited PSG programs in the nation, Ballinger said.

An important partner in the program is Paul Selecky, M.D., medical director of Hoag Sleep Disorders Center at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, where many OCC students complete internships.

Pirates Win California Women’s Volleyball Title

In a season that pushed the limit of just about everyone involved with the program, the Orange Coast College women's volleyball team made it all worth while when it counted most, winning the 2009 California Community College Athletic Association State Women's Volleyball Championship.

After breezing through the first seven matches of the season without losing a game, the Pirates' first test came at home against rival Golden West, where the Rustlers topped the Pirates in four games.

But, showing early signs of this inner toughness, the Pirates dusted themselves off and beat eventual state runner-up Cypress -- on the road -- in a five-game thriller.

As usual with this Coast team, nothing came easy up in Sacramento as the Pirates opened things with a four-game loss to Sierra College, sending the top seed from the south to the loser's bracket. OCC responded with a four-game triumph over Delta to stay beyond the opening day.

Having to play two matches per day the rest of the way, Coast was able to make quick work of the competition on Dec. 5, sweeping past state No. 1 Sacramento City (25-23, 25-14, 25-21) and returned the favor on Sierra with a three-game sweep (25-21, 25-12, 25-14).

It was more of the same in the loser's bracket finals on Dec. 6 with a three-game sweep over rival Irvine Valley (25-20, 25-17, 25-17), giving OCC a 3-0 record against the Lasers this year.

The Pirates faced another familiar foe, the Cypress Chargers, in the championship match. The Pirates finally sealed the state title in a one-game tiebreaker, giving Coast its sixth state women's volleyball title and 95th overall title in school history.

OCC freshman Kimya Jafroudi, named MVP of the State Tournament, posted an eye-popping 292 assists, turning her "solid" season into a record-setting season. Her 292 assists pushed Jafroudi into first place on OCC's single-season list with 1,027, shattering the previous mark of 973, set by Chelsea Spadaro in 2006.

OCC Staff Raises $3,750 for Textbook Fund

Holiday Gift Basket Raffle Will Benefit Needy Students

Employees of Orange Coast College generated $3,750 for the college’s textbook scholarship fund in a holiday gift basket raffle and silent auction Thursday.

The OCC Foundation will award the funds to needy students who can’t afford to pay for college textbooks.

The college employees donated 40 gift baskets for the raffle, and then purchased raffle tickets during the college’s holiday gathering. “It’s really great for our students,” said Interim President Denise Whittaker, who spearheaded the idea to raise funds for the project.