California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) has appointed Jessica Pandya as the dean for the College of Education. She will begin her new position July 1.
“I am so excited to support the excellent work of the equity-minded faculty and staff in the College of Education at Dominguez Hills,” says Pandya. “I especially look forward to supporting students, and to strengthening the college’s many educational partnerships in the surrounding community.”
Pandya joins CSUDH after serving more than 15 years at CSU Long Beach (CSULB). She is currently a full professor in the CSULB Department of Teacher Education and Liberal Studies, and has served as both an associate and assistant professor in the department.
She has held many leadership and administrative positions while at CSULB, most recently chair of the Academic Senate (2019-21) and chair of the Department of Liberal Studies (2014-20). She has also served as chair of the College of Education Faculty Council; chair of the Faculty Advisory Committee; and co-chair of the Highly Valued Degree Initiative Communications Taskforce.
While Pandya was chair of CSULB Department of Liberal Studies, the department achieved: the approval of an Elementary Subject Matter Program; the expansion of program learning outcomes to include intersectionality, critical thinking, and communication; the development of a bilingual pathway with a Chicano/Latino Studies emphasis through a $250, 000 grant; and the creation of a Minor in Equity and Education Studies.
Interim Dean of the College of Education Lisa Hutton believes that Pandya has the vision, experience, and leadership skills to foster positive change and growth in the college. “The faculty and staff of the College of Education are thrilled to welcome Dr. Pandya and look forward to her leadership as we continue the work to fulfill our mission and vision to prepare transformational educators who positively impact our local communities.”
Prior to her service in the CSU system, Pandya taught kindergarten, language arts, and was a master teacher. She holds a Ph.D. in Education in Language, Literacy and Culture from UC Berkeley.
Pandya’s primary duties as dean of CSUDH’s College of Education will include supporting and enhancing the college’s current degree and credential programs, and establishing new curriculum and innovative programs within the college and with external partners. Pandya will also lead the management resources and serve as spokesperson for the college on campus and within the academic and professional communities that CSUDH serves.
