Dr. Joi Lin Blake, left, was sworn in as Palomar College\u2019s new Superintendent\/President by Governing Board President Mark Evilsizer at the College\u2019s July 12 Governing Board meeting. (photo by Melinda Finn)<\/p>\n
SAN MARCOS, CA\u00a0\u2013 <\/strong>Dr. Joi Lin Blake was sworn in as Palomar College\u2019s 10th<\/sup> Superintendent\/President at the College\u2019s July 12 Governing Board meeting.<\/p>\n Governing Board President Mark Evilsizer and others in attendance welcomed Dr. Blake, who began in her new position on Monday, July 11. Evilsizer spoke of Blake\u2019s \u201centhusiasm, professionalism and impressive record of leadership,\u201d as he expressed excitement about working with her as the college moves forward.<\/p>\n Blake came to Palomar from the College of Alameda in the Peralta Community College District, where she served as president for 1 \u00bd years. With more than 30 years of progressive administrative and leadership experience, she is known for her skills in developing partnerships between the community college and local businesses and organizations. She is also credited with developing and implementing innovative programs for diverse traditional and nontraditional student populations in credit, non-credit and contract education programs.<\/p>\n A former San Diego resident, Blake expressed excitement about working at Palomar College and appreciation for the warm welcome and help she has received so far.<\/p>\n Blake’s\u00a0previous\u00a0administrative and leadership positions include Vice President of Student Services at Skyline College; Dean of Student Development and Matriculation at San Diego Mesa College; and Interim Dean of Instructional Support Services, Interim Staff Development Coordinator, and Academic Senate President at Southwestern College. She also formerly served as a tenured Professor\/Counselor.<\/p>\n At the national level, Blake served as Policy Assistant for the U.S. Department of Education, in the Offices of the Under Secretary, Dr. Martha Kanter, and Vocational and Adult Education. She has served on the statewide Chief Student Services Officers Board and currently is treasurer on the International Education Board.<\/p>\n Successful partnerships between education and community organizations that Blake helped develop include a nationally recognized African American\/Latino Male Leadership Summit, the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Alameda League of Women Voters, Perforce Technology, Girls, Inc.-Alameda, NPOWER, Tenacity 10 Lacrosse, and Tesla Motors.<\/p>\n She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Post-Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Health Science and a minor in Spanish from San Francisco State University.<\/p>\n Blake replaced Adrian Gonzales, who was appointed as Interim Superintendent\/President when\u00a0 former Superintendent\/President Robert P. Deegan retired in June, 2015. Gonzales returned to his previous position as Vice President, Student Services.<\/p>\n