I’m writing to proudly endorse Reza Rassool for the College of the Canyons board of trustees, Area 1.
As someone who has dedicated my 30-plus-year career to COC and our students, I believe our college is at a pivotal moment. We need board members who understand education, value the people who do this work every day, listen to the voices of our students, faculty and classified professionals, and recognize that effective leadership requires transparency, collaboration and trust.
The concerns about our current board leadership are not simply the opinions of a few individuals. Students, faculty and classified professional staff have raised serious concerns about board governance and leadership, including formal votes and resolutions of no confidence. Our students have made their voices heard. Faculty have made their voices heard. Classified professionals have made their voices heard. It is time for those voices to matter.
Reza represents an opportunity for a different kind of leadership. He understands education. He is forward-thinking and understands the technological and workforce changes facing today’s students. He values transparency and collaboration. Importantly, he approaches leadership as a team player, someone willing to listen, ask questions, work with others and build consensus rather than create division.
COC is an extraordinary institution because of its students and dedicated faculty, classified professionals, administrators and community members who believe deeply in its mission. They deserve a board that works with them, respects shared governance, asks difficult questions, communicates openly and keeps student success at the center of its decisions.
We have an opportunity to restore trust, strengthen collaboration and move COC forward. That’s why I proudly support Reza Rassool for COC the board of trustees, Area 1.
Rebecca Shepherd
Valencia
