It is with complete confidence and great personal enthusiasm that I endorse Dr. Edel Alonso for the COC Board of Trustees Area 2 seat in the Nov. 8 election. As a current member of the board, I speak with confidence in Edel’s demonstrated leadership skills and knowledge of the college.

I had the pleasure of knowing Edel when she was a counselor and professor at COC for 16 years and served as the elected president of the faculty Academic Senate. Edel demonstrated her ability to lead as she guided the faculty in its legislated duty to advise the board on 10 areas of responsibilities including graduation requirements, curriculum, grading policies, academic standards, the appointment of faculty to committees, faculty professional development and processes for program review.  She was actively involved in college planning, enrollment management, policy development and accreditation; most importantly, she co-chaired the Advisory Committee on Budget. In addition, she worked with community members serving on business advisory councils for three different educational programs.

Because Edel has been attending Board of Trustees meetings for the last six years, including four in her position as Senate President, I found Edel to be a faculty member who was fully engaged in processes and procedures. She worked collaboratively and respectfully with our chancellor, faculty and classified staff, administrators, community and board members alike. She asked intelligent questions, was prepared with data and always reminded everyone that budget priorities should be based on putting student needs first.

Edel is dedicated to the mission of the college and truly committed to issues of importance to students, as well as to the community at large: accountability and transparency, budget priorities based on student needs, excellence in education, services, and technology, open communications and high ethical standards. There is no other candidate who is as knowledgeable about the college and its operations.

Edel Alonso is the best choice for new leadership and change on the board. She has the intelligence and dedication to ensure that the college’s priorities are focused on assisting students to reach their career and educational goals.

I wholeheartedly endorse Edel, who will lead College of the Canyons to continued excellence into the future. Please join me in voting for Edel Alonso for Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees on Nov. 8, a qualified change for the Board of Trustees.

Joan Whaling MacGregor is a member of the Santa Clarita Community College District (COC) Board of Trustees. Her commentary reflects her personal views.