An educator with more than 23 years of experience in instruction, student services and administration in California community colleges will take the helm at El Camino College on July 1, it was announced Tuesday.
The five-member El Camino Community College District Board of Trustees named Brenda Thames as the next superintendent/president of the Torrance campus during its May board meeting.
She will succeed Dena P. Maloney, who is retiring when her current contract ends at the conclusion of the 2020-21 academic year in June. Maloney began her tenure in February 2016.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in the leadership role of a community college as distinguished and reputable as El Camino College,” Thames said in a statement released by the school. “El Camino College is known and recognized for the college’s deep commitment to equity and student success. I am ready, and can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get to work side-by-side with some of the most gifted, talented and dedicated faculty, staff and students in the California community college system to continue to advance educational opportunity and economic mobility for the students we serve.”
The board’s announcement is the result of a months-long, nationwide presidential candidate search that narrowed the list of candidates to four finalists, who participated in separate public forums via Zoom in late April.
Thames currently serves as the president of West Hills College Coalinga.
“Dr. Thames brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to El Camino College,” said board President Nilo Vega Michelin. “Her dedication to student success and deep expertise on student-centered issues are critical as we to continue to support our students, staff and faculty, and foster academic excellence.”
Thames earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and social welfare from the University of California, Berkeley; master’s degrees in social work and in public administration from the University of Southern California; and a doctorate in education from Oregon State University.
She has served in a broad range of positions, including adjunct faculty, tenured faculty, faculty coordinator, department chair, program director, dean, vice president of student services, and vice president of instruction.