ACCT

Diversity Committee Candidate Statements

CENTRAL REGION

 

Robin M. Smith

Lansing Community College, MI

My many years of work as a teacher and as a Trustee since 2005 have fueled a passion for greater efforts to promote student inclusion, student retention, and student success. I believe those efforts must also promote diversity based upon a philosophy that encompasses acceptance and respect of those who have been historically underrepresented, cultivates recognition and understanding of individual differences, and empowers and uplifts by focusing on strengths and abilities. In the face of declining revenue, we must be more proactive in seeking ways to combine and leverage efforts and to ensure that efforts to promote diversity are preserved. I bring to this initiative my experience as a Member of ACCT’s Diversity Committee, as Chair and Vice Chair of LCC’s Board of Trustees, as Co-Chair of the College’s Presidential Search Team, and as Chair of the Lansing Board of Water and Light. I welcome the opportunity to serve.

 

 

NORTHEAST REGION

 

Cid Wilson

Bergen Community College, NJ

 

Cid Wilson is the Sr. Vice President & Retailing Equity Analyst for Kern Suslow Securities in New York City.  In 2006, Wilson was ranked #1 financial analyst in his field by Forbes in its annual ranking of the Best Wall Street Financial Analysts.

 

He is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Bergen Community College and serves on the state board of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.  He has served on the national Diversity Committee for ACCT since 2008.

 

In September 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Wilson to serve on the National Museum of the American Latino Study Commission.  Wilson also serves on the boards of directors of some of the leading community-based organizations in the nation, including LatinoJustice PRLDEF, the National Council of La Raza, and Dominicans on Wall Street (DOWS.)  He is the former National President of the Dominican American National Roundtable.

 

PACIFIC REGION

 

Walter G. Howald

Coast Community College District, CA

 

I am committed to diversity as a core value in our community colleges.  I believe it is our communal ability to embrace change and foster diversity that allows us to provide exceptional educational and career opportunities to all students.  My commitment spans 30 years of working in higher education and striving to provide leadership based on educational rather than political considerations.

 

A commitment to diversity has profoundly shaped California.  I have extensive experience in community colleges, legislative affairs, business, law and have worked diligently to promote diversity throughout the State.  I hope that you will allow me the opportunity to continue to work on a larger scale as your representative on the ACCT Diversity Committee.

 

SOUTHERN REGION

 

Randall “Mack” Jackson

Midlands Technical College, SC

 

As a current member of the Board of Commissioners for Midlands Technical College in Columbia, South Carolina, I continue to be an advocate for Community Colleges and continue to enhance the image and foster greater public appreciation for community colleges and governing boards.  I am seeking re-election to the Diversity Committee because I believe that diversity provides society and culture with unique and inspirational perspectives. Diversity can create new ideas and changes that can be beneficial to all.

 

Just like ACCT, I am committed to policies of inclusiveness to encourage engagement, values, uniqueness, and differences, and to promote respect for all, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, or economic status.

 

I believe that my previous years of experiences and my current duties and responsibilities allow me to have the skills to continue to assist ACCT as a member of the Diversity Committee.

WESTERN REGION

 

Yolanda Navarro Flores

Houston Community College System, TX

 

As I enter this new year with refreshed excitement, energy and commitment, I take delight at the opportunity to continue my service and participation as a member of ACCT’s Diversity Committee. It has been an honor and being elected Chair-Elect has made this honor even more distinguished. I am humbled. I was blessed

with parents who were examples of the real meaning of service to others; they showed me that we can share with others our values, standards, culture, and respect for one another. It is my desire and goal to continue on the path that provides additional opportunities to serve others, and I cannot think of a better means to achieve this goal than through a process that allows us to make educational opportunities available for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, race, or religion. Participation with ACCT has broadened my vision of how effective we can be in sharing the philosophy of inclusiveness and opportunity for all. I would be privileged to give my time, commitment, and experience to the ACCT Diversity Committee.

 

Jimmy Sandoval

Mesalands Community College, NM

 

I have been actively involved in my community as an elected City Commissioner and have served on the Board of Trustees for Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, New Mexico for 16 years.

 

I have always been interested in helping our people achieve the dream of equality through education.  Today, I see not only many Hispanic children but children of all cultures being passed over by society because of lack of education and inspiration.

 

The challenge we face with diversity today is in educating everyone, not just minorities, to function in a diverse environment, which gives us opportunities to learn about others’ backgrounds and experiences as well as grow as individuals.  Through education, we can be assured that our communities will be more productive and respectful of the unique differences we each possess.  Diversity is our strength!