Sierra College Welcomes Anabel Toche as Executive Dean
New Executive Dean to Champion Student Success and Equity initiatives
Sierra College is excited to announce the appointment of Anabel Toche as the Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion. In her new role, Toche will spearhead initiatives aimed at ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to thrive and graduate. "We are thrilled to welcome Anabel Toche to Sierra College," expressed Willy Duncan, Superintendent/President of Sierra College. "Her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to equity align perfectly with our mission to cultivate a culture of belonging for every student. We eagerly anticipate the positive changes she will bring to our college community."
Background of Anabel Toche
With a remarkable track record spanning over 25 years in higher education, Anabel Toche is a dedicated advocate for student success and equity. Previously, she held the position of Dean of Student Success at Yuba College. Coming from a low-income immigrant family, Toche, a Latina and first-generation college graduate, offers a unique and invaluable perspective to her leadership role. She possesses a bachelor's degree in leadership studies from Cal Poly Humboldt and is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at UC Davis.
Advancing Inclusion and Support
As the Executive Dean, Toche will collaborate with both campus and community partners to forge an inclusive environment that supports Sierra College's diverse student population. She is determined to implement strategies that facilitate students in achieving their educational goals more effectively and efficiently. "I am honored to join Sierra College and eager to collaborate with our esteemed faculty, staff, students, and the entire college community to push forward equity and student success initiatives," Toche shared. "I look forward to building on the strong foundation of Sierra College and working together to foster an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their educational aspirations."
Commitment to Transformative Programs
Toche's career has been distinguished by her profound commitment to developing transformative student success programs. Her extensive experience includes overseeing impactful initiatives such as EOPS/CARE/NextUp, CalWORKs, TRIO programs, MESA, and the Puente Project. She has consistently championed efforts supporting various student demographics, prioritizing holistic support, culturally responsive practices, and breaking down systemic barriers to access and equity.
"Anabel's leadership philosophy, 'Think Student and Then Decide,' embodies her student-centered approach to decision-making," said Duncan. "Her collaboration with faculty and institutional research teams has yielded measurable results in closing equity gaps and improving student engagement. Furthermore, her expertise in budget management and program assessment has been instrumental in driving sustainable, impactful change within the college."
About Sierra College
Sierra College is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the community. It serves an expansive area of over 3,200 square miles and has campuses available in multiple locations. Offering around 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College ranks first in Northern California for transfers to four-year universities. It also provides career and technical training and courses aimed at enhancing job skills. Sierra College graduates are well integrated into various businesses and industries across the region. For those looking for more information, please visit www.sierracollege.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anabel Toche?
Anabel Toche is the newly appointed Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion at Sierra College, with over 25 years of experience in higher education.
What will Toche focus on in her new role?
Toche will lead initiatives to enhance equity and student success, ensuring all students have the opportunity to achieve their educational goals.
What is Sierra College's mission?
Sierra College aims to foster a culture of belonging, ensuring that every student feels supported and valued in their pursuit of academic success.
What is Toche's educational background?
She holds a bachelor's degree in leadership studies and is working towards a doctorate in Educational Leadership at UC Davis.
How does Sierra College support its students?
Sierra College offers a variety of programs and initiatives designed to support diverse student populations, including career training and academic advising.
