Student Casey Chang Named to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Santa Clara, CA - October 11, 2023 - Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the appointment of Mission College student Casey Chang to the prestigious California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Chang, a resident of Pleasanton, has demonstrated a deep commitment to education, environmental conservation, and student advocacy throughout her early career.

"I am deeply honored and appreciative of the opportunity to serve on the California Community Colleges Board of Governors," Chang said. "I want to express my sincere thanks to the West Valley-Mission Community College District and all those who have supported me throughout my journey. I am committed to continuing my advocacy for accessible and high-quality education for all Californians."

The California Community Colleges Board of Governors plays a pivotal role in setting policy and providing guidance for the 73 districts and 116 colleges that constitute the state's community college system. These institutions serve as the cornerstone of higher education accessibility and affordability for Californians. Board members such as Chang are appointed by the Governor and formally interact with state and federal officials, as well as other state organizations, to shape the future of California's community college system. Chang will be a student representative on the board.

"Casey is one of the most driven, advocacy-minded students I've ever worked with," said Connor Keese, Mission College's Director of Outreach & Student Life. "Her dedication to the betterment of our educational system is inspiring, and I have no doubt that she will excel in her new role. Her unwavering dedication to educational and environmental causes has made her an exemplary figure within the West Valley-Mission Community College District."

Chang's diverse background includes serving as a Conservation Technician for the Stanford University Habitat Conservation Program and as a STEM Peer Support Specialist with Mission's STEM Learning Center since 2022. She also held a position on the West Valley-Mission Community College District's Board of Trustees from 2022 to 2023, where she showcased her leadership and dedication to promoting educational excellence. 

Additionally, she held the esteemed role of Vice President of Communication for the California Community Colleges Student Senate from 2022 to 2023 and served as Director of Media for the Virtual Statewide Student Advocacy Group during the same period. She has already secured an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts: Social & Behavioral Science form Mission and is taking additional classes this fall at the college.

"Casey Chang is a shining example of the caliber of students that Mission College produces," Mission College President Dr. Seher Awan said. "She is a great representation of our institution, and I am confident that she will contribute significantly to the advancement of California's community college system. This appointment celebrates her unwavering commitment to the betterment of education and environmental conservation. As a passionate advocate, she is set to bring her unique perspective and dedication to this important role."

California Community Colleges Board of Governors President Amy M. Costa and Chancellor Sonya Christian issued the following statements on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s appointment of  Chang to the Board of Governors.

We are pleased to welcome Casey Chang to the Board of Governors as we embark on an exciting time for our 1.9 million students – the implementation of Vision 2030, our new strategic framework that will guide our system into the next decade. Students are at the core of everything we do, and Chang’s experience makes her the ideal person to fill this vital seat representing our students,” said Costa.

“Casey Chang fills an important role that will help shape our system. She understands the needs of students today and will play a critical role in empowering student voices and perspectives. We look forward to working with her as we help students achieve their educational goals,” said Christian.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
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