Re-Elect Carolyn Inmon

for

South Orange County Community College District

Board of Trustees, Area One

Meet Carolyn Inmon

I was elected to the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees in 2020 and currently serve as Clerk of the Board.

Advocating for our local community colleges and our wonderful students has been such an honor!

I have been involved in the Community College system for decades — as a student, a professor, and a former California Community College Association President.

After attending El Camino Community College, I received my BA in Speech and English, along with a Lifetime Teaching Credential (K-14) from UCLA, and my MA in Speech from CSU Northridge. I was an Irvine public-school teacher, before becoming a professor at Cerritos College and Mt. San Antonio College.

At Mount San Antonio College, I served as Communication Department Chair, Director of the Honors Program, and Director of Forensics. I also coached the national community college championship team, and served as an advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, the international academic honorary society for two-year colleges. I was honored to be named, “2008 Teacher of the Year” by Mt. San Antonio College.

I was President of the Honors Transfer Council of California, President of the Southern California Debate League, President of the Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensics Association, and Secretary of the Academic Senate at Mount San Antonio College. I have also remained active in my local community, serving as President of the Irvine Children, Youth & Families Advisory Board, and past president of the Exchange Club of Irvine.

My husband and I have lived in Irvine for more than 30 years. Our daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren also reside in Irvine.

My Work for SOCCCD

I have loved serving on the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees!

Over the past four years, I’ve treated my position on the Board as a full-time job, using my experience as an educator and my leadership skills to make sure that Irvine Valley College, Saddleback College, and ATEP have the resources they need to thrive while remaining affordable and accessible to everyone.

Securing resources during a down economy has not always been easy, which is why I have made it a point to meet one-on-one with legislators here in Orange County, Sacramento and Washington D.C. to help educate them on the important role community colleges play.

These community-focused institutions bring quality faculty members, diverse subject matter, small class sizes, and affordable prices to the students in their home area. Community colleges also generate increased earnings to the overall economy and provide a pipeline of qualified talent to meet the needs of our local workforce.

I lend my talents and energy wherever they are most needed. I currently serve as Policy Committee Chair for SOCCCD. I established the Board’s new legislative subcommittee, and was appointed to the Public Policy & Advocacy Committee for the Association of Community College Trustees.

I started a “Guardian Scholarship” program for foster youth; created a column in an Irvine newspaper to spotlight our local community college students; advocated on behalf of our student veterans; formed a theater group to join me in attending community college productions; and helped organize a donation drive for the new campus “Clothing Corner” that will accompany the existing food pantry for students in need.

I was recently appointed to serve as the Community College Representative on the Orange County School Board Association where I look forward to sharing my deep understanding of community college issues and passion for student success as I advocate for the needs and interests of community colleges across Orange County. In this role, I hope to shape policies that support community college students and enhance educational pathways.

But, there’s more work I want to do! My appointment to the national Public Policy & Advocacy Committee means our local community colleges will have a seat (and a voice) at the table when new policies and advocacy priorities are being established. My local Irvine newspaper column has attracted an audience of more than 50,000 readers, and my theater group continues to grow — bringing with it greater community appreciation for our immensely talented students.

I have known Carolyn Inmon for many years and can think of no one more qualified to serve as a Trustee for the South Orange County Community College Board. She truly cares about our Community College students and has the knowledge and experience to shape a sustainable future for the district.

Ryan Dack

SOCCCD Trustee

Carolyn was a tremendous role model during our time working together when I represented Saddleback College as a student trustee. She consistently demonstrated her dedication to our students. From founding the theater group to organizing clothing drives, her efforts have had a profound impact on our local community. Moreover, Carolyn’s advocacy and support were instrumental in my initiative to assist refugee students from Afghanistan. Her commitment to helping others and her ability to inspire and lead by example make her an invaluable asset to any team or organization.

Seterra Matin

Former Student Trustee, SOCCCD Board

I have enjoyed working with Carolyn Inmon on the Board. She has devoted her life to education, having been a faculty member, serving on a number of committees, and her current work on the Board of Trustees. Carolyn is completely dedicated to supporting community colleges and helping our students. She’s a very hard worker, a team player, and is an excellent board member. I endorse her wholeheartedly!

Marcia Michiker

SOCCCD Trustee

Carolyn is exactly who we need as a Community College Trustee! She is a lifelong teacher, having taught many years in our community colleges. She is passionately committed to the quality education they deliver. She is a skilled communicator who has been a strong education advocate in Sacramento, fighting to make sure that our community colleges here in Orange County get their fair share of State funding. I am proud to endorse Carolyn’s re-election campaign!

Larry Agran

Irvine Vice Mayor

To view the full list of Carolyn’s supporters, click here.