CSUDH alumna Bridgette Donald-Blue never intended to have a career in teaching. When the Florida native completed her bachelor’s degree in English at Howard University in Washington, DC, she planned to go on to law school. The words of a favorite professor echoed in her ears, though. “I remember he said, ‘I know all of you are going to do amazing things, but I don’t want you to just write a check. I want you to be involved and affect change.’” Taking those words to heart, Donald-Blue decided to postpone law school for two years and committed to spend that time in the Teach for America program. The nationwide program fights educational inequality, signing up engaged citizens from across ... Read More
Teacher Education
Laurie Inman Named 2022 Catherine H. Jacobs Outstanding Faculty Lecturer
For Laurie Inman, lecturer and chair of liberal studies, working in the university's College of Education is uniquely rewarding. “Here, putting students first isn’t just a mission statement or vision that’s written on the wall,” she says. “We all come here because we want to do the work, and the work is about our students.” “Building relationships and engaging with students is very important to me,” she says. “I tell them during our first class, ‘I'm not going to stand up here and lecture you. That's not what this class is about.’ Teaching and learning are synchronous—we will learn from each other.” Inman’s student-centered, engaging style has earned her the 2022 Catherine H. Jacobs ... Read More
Jessica Pandya Appointed Dean of the College of Education
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 ... Read More
Class of 2021: Sallyanne Payton Bestowed CSU Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
As a force for change on the national stage, and for her wide-ranging contributions to education and Black culture and history, Sallyanne Payton was bestowed a California State University Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by CSUDH during its 2020-21 Commencement on May 26. Payton’s career is marked by major milestones and prominent appointments. From the early years at Stanford University and in the administrations of two U.S. presidents, to her work as an educator and leader of the preservation of sacred music, Payton has remained a principled advocate for societal change, and those she inspires. “It’s wonderful to be recognized by the university. It's always thrilling when someone ... Read More
Class of 2021 Scholars Reflect on the Toro Experience
Graduates from the Presidential Scholars Program, the McNair Scholarship Program, and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship share their Toro experiences, inspirational faculty mentors, future plans, and more. Raquel Serrano, Women's Studies: Mellon Mays Scholar Inspirational Mentor(s): Associate Professor of Women’s Studies Jenn Brandt. See below. Scholarship Takeaways: Through the Mellon Mays program Raquel has traveled, networked, and advanced her skills as a scholar. She calls the experience “one of the best things to happen in my life.” Campus Life: Raquel enjoyed many opportunities at CSUDH that helped “sky-rocket” her success. Next Move: Raquel has been accepted into ... Read More
