From the President
Thank You and Looking Forward to Joining You
June 3, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
I am tremendously honored to be selected as the fourth president of De Anza College. I want to thank the hiring committee, college constituency groups and Interim President Espinosa-Pieb for being so welcoming, Chancellor Miner for forwarding my name to the board, and trustees for approving my appointment. Each member of the De Anza family was incredibly hospitable during my virtual visit, and your love for students and the college was clear at every turn. My husband, David, and I are very much looking forward to the move.
While my official start date is July 1, with an “on-site” presence by Aug. 1, I have already had a sober beginning to my work with the college, with your heartfelt responses to the killing of George Floyd – and so many before him. As a Black man, I have lived the experiences of many of our Black students, faculty and staff, and clearly, we need to focus action on making genuine change in their lives and our community.
I will soon be reaching out to the many other diverse groups at the college, as well. It is important to me, always, to hear extensive input and multiple perspectives – all of which I know coalesce in care for the success and well-being of students.
This current national crisis, of course, is against the backdrop of the global pandemic, which has disproportionately affected our historically underrepresented students, including in the delivery of their education. I have heard repeatedly about your excellent work in transitioning the college online, and I look forward to learning more about this, and what lessons we can take into the future. As we embark on this new journey, I ask that you share with me your experience, your wisdom, your hopes and your ideas. I also ask for your patience as I learn about you, and for your support as we work to build upon the existing excellence of De Anza College. Thank you for the opportunity to be your president.
With appreciation,
Lloyd