Don Dorsey appointed Foothill VP

Black Caucus Advisor begins new post Sept. 1

By Charles Perkins
BUSINESS EDITOR

Don Dorsey, advisor for the Black Caucus of the California Student Association of Community Colleges (CalSACC) has been appointed Interim Vice-President for Student Development and Instruction at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills.
Dorsey, who currently serves as Dean of Student Affairs and Activities, will serve September 1, 2008 to July 1, 2009.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue my work at Foothill College,” said Dorsey, who takes over at a time when his knowledge will provide a much needed continuity.
Dorsey began at Foothill in 1972 serving as a coordinator for math and science tutoring and soon after joined the caculty as associate coordinator for the campus’ multicultural Program. In 1982 he was hired as a counselor, and in 1986 he became the campus’ director of student Activities. Dorsey has served as a dean since 2000.
His leadership and “work in creating new programs at Foothill to promote a broader understanding of cultural perspectives, diversity and student equity earned him the John W. Rice Diversity Award from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office in 2006,” said Foothill College President Judy Miner. The prestigious Rice Award program honors the memory of the late John W. Rice, who served on the CCC Board of Governors from 1995 to 2000.
Under Dorsey’s leadership, the college recently completed a [enter dollar amount] renovation of it’s student center.
Some of his other achievements at Foothill include coordinating the Foothill Bridge Program that targets students who are under-prepared academically; he co-founded the Footihll De Anza minority Staff Associaiotn and served on its executive board from 1984 to 1988 and president in 1985-1986; co-founded the Foothill African American Networker; and led the development of a Black studies degree at the college.
While he has served as advisor of the Black Caucus since its’ inception, he is also a former President of the California Community College Student Affairs Association (CCCSAA), a professional association for student/life activies advisors.
“Don is an asset to any organization,” said Black Caucus Advisor Harold Tyler, who serves as Student Activities Advisor at El Camino College. Dorsey, an Emeryville resident is also very active in the community. Besides serving as a former trustee for the Emeyville Unified School District, he is also a local business owner, providing employment opportunities.
As President of Dorsey & Associates, Dorsey led the reclaiming of “Dorsey’s Locker,” a soul food restaurant and lounge in North Oakland. The restaurant has been an Oakland insitution since 1941.
Former Black Caucus Northern Region Chair President L. Davis, who has hosted a weekly open mic called Blue Candle said that Dorsey’s appointment is a “great victory for the Black community.”
“They have somebody who has a good spirit,” said Davis. "He is very disciplined and focused but will keep an ear to young people.” Davis commended Dorsey for his efforts to mentor young people. “Blue Candle has made me believe I can achieve anything.” •H•