Woodland Community College is delighted to announce the selection of Kathy Sorensen as the new Vice President of Instruction, pending approval by the Yuba Community College District (YCCD) Board of Trustees on August 8.

Kathy Sorensen brings nearly three decades of dedicated service to student success across four different institutions in three states. Her most recent role was Dean of People, Culture, and Society at American River College (Los Rios CCD), where she co-led with faculty the development and implementation of Homebases, the centerpiece of the Guided Pathways framework. Additionally, Kathy has significantly contributed to dual enrollment efforts and co-chaired the professional development task force. Her management experience includes positions as interim Dean of Counseling at American River College (ARC); Dean of Science, Math, and Engineering at Cosumnes River College (Los Rios CCD); and Associate Dean of Business and Applied Arts at Madison Area Technical College in Wisconsin.

Kathy’s career in academia began with teaching at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas, an experience she credits with igniting her passion for community colleges. As a Professor of Biology at ARC, Kathy initiated the Science Skills Center, an academic support center for students, and served as its program coordinator for eight years. Her extensive leadership roles at ARC also included Education Initiative Coordinator, Basic Skills Coordinator, Academic Senator, and Academic Senate President.

Kathy holds a B.S. in Biology from Baylor University, an M.S. in Biology from The University of Texas at Arlington, and a Ph.D. in Science Education from The University of Texas at Austin.

“Dr. Sorensen is a proven leader. We are thrilled to welcome Kathy to our community and look forward to benefiting from her extensive experience and passion for student success,” said President Lizette Navarette. “Pending the Board of Trustees’ approval at the August meeting, Kathy’s first day will be August 9.”