SBCCD Board of Trustees Installs New Board Member

The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) recently installed Dr. Anne L. Viricel of Highland to complete the term of Dr. Kathleen “Katy” Henry, who retired in October. Dr. Viricel was selected by the Board at their November meeting from four candidates. Dr. Viricel is an adjunct professor at the University of Redlands School of Business, where she has taught for the past 16 years and works regularly with her students facilitating strategic planning services for local small business clients as part of the University’s Master’s Capstone program. She also served as an adjunct professor with Brandman University from 2001-2014 and with the Keller School of Management from 2002-2005. Trustee Viricel has served as the Executive Director of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra since 2013, where she is responsible for representing the organization at local community activities and emphasizing organizational visibility at arts and education functions. Dr. Viricel holds a Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of La Verne. Her commitment to lifelong learning began with a course at a local community college that provided the intellectual impetus and motivation to continue on and complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the University of Phoenix and then her doctorate. President of the SBCCD Board John Longville noted Dr. Viricel’s dedication to the success of students of all ages, saying, “It is just wonderful to welcome Dr. Viricel to our Board. She brings a wealth of enthusiasm and experience that our District will benefit from.” SBCCD Chancellor Bruce Baron said, “We are so pleased to welcome Dr. Viricel to the Board. Her professional experience with college and university education and her volunteer work with the K-12 community as well as her knowledge of the arts and cultural areas of our region will support the work and Mission of the Board and the District.” In her letter of application to the Board, Dr. Viricel noted, “I believe that in order for our region to thrive, we need to ensure that we are providing community college students with the best opportunities. My commitment, therefore, is to build understandable and accessible pathways for all desirous youth to attend a local college and begin a career here in San Bernardino County, thereby contributing to our local economy, and for those who may be considering a new career to have an affordable option for timely and relevant career education.”