#United States #Sierra College #Anabel Toche #Student Equity #Rocklin

Sierra College Welcomes Anabel Toche as Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion

Sierra College, located in Rocklin, California, has recently announced the appointment of Anabel Toche as its new Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Toche has established herself as a strong advocate for equity and student success. Her impressive background comes from her previous position as Dean of Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness at Yuba College.

A Champion for Student Success

Anabel Toche brings a unique perspective to her new role, being a first-generation college graduate from a low-income immigrant family. She holds a bachelor's degree in leadership studies from Cal Poly Humboldt and an MBA from Southern Oregon University. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at UC Davis, further reinforcing her commitment to education and student success.

In her new position, Toche will spearhead initiatives designed to guarantee that all students at Sierra College have equal opportunities for achievement and graduation. In her own words, she shared her enthusiasm about the role, stating, "I am honored to join Sierra College and excited to work alongside dedicated faculty, staff, students, and the campus community to advance equity and student success initiatives."

Building an Inclusive Environment

The primary focus of Anabel Toche’s work will be to create an inclusive environment for Sierra College's diverse student demographic. This objective aligns perfectly with the college's mission to nurture a culture of belonging, as highlighted by the Sierra College Superintendent/President, Willy Duncan. He expressed confidence in Toche's ability to execute equitable strategies and foster a supportive space where every student can thrive.

Throughout her career, Toche has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to transformative student success programs, overseeing initiatives such as EOPS/CARE/NextUp, CalWORKs, TRIO programs, MESA, and the Puente Project. Additionally, her advocacy extends to supporting LGBTQ+, DREAMer, and AANHPI students, emphasizing holistic support and dismantling systemic barriers that impede equity and access.

Willy Duncan expressed his admiration for Toche's philosophy, which prioritizes student needs above all else: "Think Student and Then Decide." This mantra reflects a deep-seated dedication to considering the student experience in every decision made. Toche’s collaborative efforts with faculty and institutional research teams have reportedly led to measurable achievements in narrowing existing equity gaps and enhancing overall student engagement.

Sierra College: A Community Resource

Founded to address the educational needs of the Northern California region, Sierra College spans 3,200 square miles and operates campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. The college offers around 125 degree and certificate programs, and is recognized for having the highest transfer rates to four-year universities in Northern California. Sierra College also provides vocational training and skill-upgrading courses, making it a crucial resource for local businesses and industries.

Anabel Toche's appointment as Executive Dean marks a significant step in Sierra College's ongoing commitment to equity and success for all students. Her vast experience and dedicated approach will undoubtedly propel the institution towards achieving its mission and supporting its diverse community. For further details on Sierra College's initiatives, you can visit their website at www.sierracollege.edu.