Citrus College’s new Career and Technical Education dean takes on new career opportunities with passion and determination.
Kimberly Mathews comes from Santa Ana College where she started working part-time through a Perkins grant.
“I specifically helped Career and Technical Education students by placing them in internships,” Mathews said. “After that, I transitioned to working off another grant, where we helped adult students by helping them continue their education or be placed with employment.”
Mathews also has been working for 16 years on the non-credit side at Santiago College teaching inmates.
“Sadly, due to COVID, I have only had correspondence by mail in the jails for two years,” Mathews said. “Hopefully, we can transition back into the classroom and get them the materials they need because I don’t think they are getting the full learning they deserve.”
Mathews had only been at Citrus for six days, but one of the first things she observed was how much the faculty cared about the students.
“I can tell they’re (faculty) dedicated to the students,” Mathews said. “They were in their respective industries for several years but have a heart for teaching a new generation. Even though they could be making a whole lot more, they choose to educate others.
“It’s been challenging with COVID. I think students are eager to get back to campus, and having good faculty makes that easier for them to engage. I think that’s what the programs are doing well.”
Mathews said she plans on taking the time to listen in her first month as well as meeting everyone so that she can find out what the students and faculty need to succeed.
Mathews also has specific goals that she’s focused on achieving during the first year and said she believes that working as a strong team is the best way to achieve those goals.
“I would like to see more effort in building up non-credit to credit pathways,” Mathews said. “If a student needs help with English that can be done on the non-credit side. Students can also take a course for non-credit and if they decide they like this, can then pursue that course.”
Mathews also said she plans to assess the current programs to ensure they are relevant and meet the needs of the market.
Mathews said the biggest obstacle is an adjustment to a new system.
“Coming from a different school with different operations, I have to learn like six new programs and be proficient in them,” Mathews said. “It’s important for me to navigate these systems because we are in constant need of adjuncts, and I need to know how to work these systems so I can answer any questions I may get.”
Mathews biggest challenge is prioritizing the opportunities for CTE and non-credit courses Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Joumana McGowan said.
McGowan said Mathews should take the time to get to know the students and faculty, and to learn as much as possible.
Mathews said she wants students to know they can and should reach out if they need anything.
“Just know, we’re here to guide you and support you with whatever you need,” Mathews said. “We want you to be successful, and never hesitate to reach out to us.”
Mathews may be the new dean, but she is not new to taking care of students and will be a resource for students and faculty alike.
