Diverse Group of Women Leaders Lauded for Taking the Helm of the Beloved College at a ‘Swearing In’ Ceremony Yesterday
Media Contact/PIO: Kristin Darken, Director of Marketing & Communications, (831) 521-4583
December 12, 2024 (Monterey, California) – Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) has welcomed its first-ever all-women Board of Trustees, following the November election results, and a swearing-in ceremony held yesterday. This significant milestone in MPC’s leadership reflects the community’s efforts to enhance diverse representation in higher education.
Ms. Libby Downey, Chair of the MPC Board of Trustees, who successfully ran for reelection in November, expressed her optimism for MPC's future under this board: "We are thrilled to welcome our newly elected members, who bring fresh perspectives and expertise in education to our decision-making. As a group, we are collectively proud to be women leaders shaping an even brighter future for MPC and the amazing community we serve."
Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III, Superintendent/President of MPC, concurred: "This is another significant milestone for our college and community. Having diverse women in elected leadership roles greatly enriches higher education. From our Student Trustee to each of our five publicly elected Trustees, every individual will bring invaluable perspectives, expertise, and fresh ideas to the board. I look forward to collaborating with them to advance MPC’s mission of enriching our community’s intellectual, cultural, and economic vitality.”
MPC welcomed two new Trustees at yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony. They are:
- Dr. Celia Barberena (Area 4)
- Ms. Anita Crawley (Area 5)
The following members of the Board are continuing in their leadership roles:
- Ms. Rosalyn Green (Area 1)
- Ms. Yuri Anderson (Area 2)
- Ms. Libby Downey (Area 3), who was sworn in for another term yesterday
- Ms. Jocelyn Torres Vasquez (Student Trustee), who is serving a one-year term for the 2024-2025 academic year
About the New Trustees:
Dr. Celia Barberena (Area 4) is a retired community college administrator with over 40 years of experience in California Community Colleges. With a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Bowling Green State University, Dr. Barberena served as the first female President of Chabot College and was the Vice President of Student Services at Hartnell College. Born in Nicaragua, she is committed to improving educational opportunities for underrepresented groups and will continue to serve and represent them while on the MPC Board.
Ms. Anita Crawley (Area 5) brings 30 years of education experience dedicated to creating inclusive environments where every student can thrive. Her expertise in online education, having led initiatives in Student Services, Faculty Development, and Distance Learning Departments, positions her well to address the impact of emerging technologies in higher education. She is also dedicated to social justice issues and currently serves on the executive board of the Monterey chapter of the NAACP.
Monterey Peninsula College - Established in 1947
Monterey Peninsula College, part of California's public community college system, is an open-access institution committed to fostering student learning and success by providing excellence in instructional programs, facilities, and services to support the goals of students pursuing transfer, career, basic skills, and lifelong learning opportunities. In addition to the scenic Monterey campus located on 90+ acres, MPC's district includes the Public Safety Training Center in Seaside and the Education Center at Marina. As a comprehensive community college, MPC responds to the educational and cultural needs of its diverse community and is distinguished for its outstanding academic programs and strong commitment to student success. To learn more about Monterey Peninsula College, please visit www.mpc.edu and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.