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Public Relations Jeanette Stephens 9/01/00 |
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District’s First Woman Vice Chancellor Has the Will to Succeed
She began her career with the District, in 1976, as an educator determined to make a difference in her students’ lives. Her earlier roles included faculty and director of the Learning Assistance Center at Glendale Community College; faculty and division chair at South Mountain Community College; assistant provost for instruction and student services and, most recently, dean of instruction at Estrella Mountain Community College. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in special and elementary education, a Master’s degree in special education, and a Doctorate in higher and adult education from Arizona State University. Known for her dedication to student success and to quality teaching and learning, she was selected, in 1999, as an Outstanding Employee by the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. She was also named Outstanding Woman Leader that same year. It was during an early teaching experience that she realized her dedication and passion for students and the teaching profession. A young Dr. Solley approached her first elementary teaching position with high enthusiasm. When confronted with the behavior of an extremely aggressive and disruptive student, she realized the many challenges of her calling. Instead of requesting a new assignment, she quickly sought alternative methods of teaching the child, realizing the many rewards of her profession. She believed the child, or any student for that matter, deserved the opportunity to learn – regardless of their circumstance. Ensuring student success, integrity and quality in teaching and learning will remain focal for the new Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Development. In this role, Dr. Solley will oversee learning and instruction, curriculum, student services, grants, faculty development, university and college relations, institutional effectiveness and international education. In addition, she will focus on further developing business and educational partnerships, maximizing resources, integrating technology in the teaching environment, recruiting talented instructors and enhancing academic programs. She will also look into ways to address the growing teacher shortage. Dr. Solley excelled in her previous position; however, is looking forward to the challenges of the new and encourages others to seek continuous improvement. She partly credits her success to having been trained by and working with the best in the District, one of those being Dr. Homero Lopez, President of Estrella Mountain Community College. She refers to him as a visionary leader who believed in her and gave her the opportunity to grow and develop. Their working relationship dates back to 1976, where he played an instrumental role in her hire at Glendale Community College. "Querer es poder" is a family motto she often refers to, which means "one must have the will in order to succeed." This motto has been carried throughout her career in which she relates, "Students who are motivated have the greatest chance to achieve personal and professional success." The amount of time she dedicates to creating initiatives and programs that directly influence student success is proof of her belief. Click here for next story. |
Dr. Anna Solley emerges from the District’s recent evolution as the first (permanent) woman Vice Chancellor in the area of Academic Affairs and Student Development. A seasoned professional, Dr. Solley brings with her a wealth of experience and 24 years of District service. " Her experience, abilities, knowledge and integrity make her an excellent choice for this position," says new Chancellor Fred Gaskin. Dr. Solley replaces Interim Vice Chancellor Bertha Landrum.