SACRAMENTO, CA - The Board of Governors (BOG) of the California Community Colleges has appointed Dr. Diane Woodruff as Interim Chancellor, announced BOG President Kay Albiani.

“The Board of Governors has made an historic decision by naming the first woman to lead the largest higher educational system in the world,” said BOG President Albiani. “We, as a Board, are impressed with Dr. Woodruff’s executive experience, management style, administrative background, breadth of knowledge of our community college system and commitment to students.”

Interim Chancellor Woodruff served as the Superintendent/President of the Napa Valley College for ten years, prior to coming to the Community College League of California where she served as Interim President/CEO and Vice President. In addition to her CEO positions, she has more than 25 years of experience in community colleges at the following levels: faculty, dean, and vice president of instruction and student services.

“Diane’s experience has enabled her to see things from both a local and a statewide perspective,” said Charles Meng, a member of the Napa Valley College district board of trustees and board member of the California Community College Trustees Association. “She will bring that same approach in her role as Chancellor. She has a wonderful ability to get a group of people working together towards a common goal. You are very lucky to have her as your Interim Chancellor.”

Joan Bennett, former trustee for Napa Valley College and vice mayor of the City of American Canyon, said she is also pleased at the BOG’s decision. “It is rare to find someone with Diane’s people skills and technical skills. She will do a fantastic job in her new role,” she said.

Woodruff received her bachelor of arts and masters degrees at the University of California, Berkeley. She received her Ed.D. from the University of Southern California in 1979.

Woodruff was a specialist in the Chancellor’s Office from 1980 to 1983. “It is a real honor to return to the Chancellor’s Office to serve as Interim Chancellor,” Woodruff said. “I am passionate about the mission of California’s community colleges and our role in providing the highest quality instruction and student services to our 2.5 million students. Community college education has been my life’s work. I have seen first hand the difference that community colleges make in our students’ lives and our impact on the economic health and vitality of California.”

Dr. Woodruff will succeed Chancellor Marshall (Mark) Drummond, who announced his resignation to become Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District later this month. Woodruff’s appointment begins August 1, 2007. She is expected to serve for approximately one year.

BOG President Albiani said that now that an Interim Chancellor has been appointed, the BOG will conduct a nationwide search for a permanent Chancellor. The Interim Chancellor’s annual salary will be $192,000.

Woodruff said that she looks forward to working with the Board of Governors, system leaders, the legislature and the Governor to keep the colleges moving forward in service to California. “I welcome this new challenge and hope to make a positive contribution during this transition period. I will do my best to carry on the excellent work of Chancellor Drummond.”