DR. JAIME CASILLAS TO MANAGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR VENTURA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Dr. Jaime Casillas has been appointed Dean of Economic Development for Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) effective September 1, 2009. “I look forward to having Dr. Casillas join our team and assist with economic growth in Ventura County,” said Dr. James Meznek, Chancellor. “I am confident his experience and connection to the community will contribute significantly to the District’s economic development initiatives.”
Dr. Casillas holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education with an emphasis in community college administration and leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He also holds an M.S. in Counseling and Guidance from California Lutheran University and a B.A. in Law and Society from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Dr. Casillas has served Oxnard College for over 10 years in several roles, including Interim Vice President of Instruction, Dean of Career and Technical Education, Dean of Economic Development and Innovation, and Dean of Off-Campus Programs and Community Initiatives. He has extensive experience in enrollment management, strategic planning, curriculum development, educational master planning, accreditation, career/technical education, workforce education, economic development programs, and community initiatives. He also served as a counselor and Dean of Industry and Technology at Ventura College where he worked for 17 years before transferring to Oxnard College.
Dr. Casillas is an active member in numerous community organizations, including the Professional Latino Advancement Network of Ventura County and the Commission for Farm Workers’ Rights. He also is a former Executive National Board Member of the Service Employment and Redevelopment (SER) Board and was awarded the Educator of the Year Award by El Concilio Del Condado de Ventura in 2005 for his many years of contributions to public education.
As Dean of Economic Development, Dr. Casillas will be responsible for administering District-wide economic and workforce development that will benefit communities, employers, and employees throughout Ventura County. “I look forward to doing my best to provide the management and leadership support to this important initiative. Education is the lifeline to a strong and competitive workforce and a vibrant economy,” stated Dr. Casillas.
The Ventura County Community College District is a partner in the 110-campus California Community College system. The District’s three colleges, Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura, offer programs in general education for transfer to four-year universities, occupational and vocational fields, developmental programs, community service and continuing education, and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities.
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