SBCCD Trustee Anne Viricel to Conclude Distinguished Service; Applications Open for Board Vacancy
Applications to fill the vacancy are due May 22, 2024, by 4 p.m.
Highlights:
- Trustee Anne L. Viricel is concluding her service on the SBCCD governing board, where she has served since 2015.
- SBCCD Trustees seek applicants to fill the Area 7 seat representing Highland, Lake Arrowhead, surrounding mountain communities, and neighborhoods around the San Bernardino International Airport.
- Applications to fill the vacancy are due May 22, 2024, by 4 p.m.
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — San Bernardino Community College District Trustee Dr. Anne L. Viricel has announced she will conclude her nine years of service on the governing board, effective June 30, 2024. The trustees are elected by local voters to oversee the educational mission and set policy for the district, which serves nearly 20,000 students through Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, KVCR Public Media, and the Economic Development & Corporate Training center.
In light of her departure, the board is now seeking applicants to fill the Area 7 seat, representing Highland, Lake Arrowhead, surrounding mountain communities, and neighborhoods around the San Bernardino International Airport.
Dr. Viricel has served as Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk, playing a key role in shaping policies that support student success. As a member of the Board’s Legislative Committee, she advocated for increased local, state, and federal funding to enhance educational and job training opportunities for students. Her leadership extended beyond local governance, as she also served on the statewide California Community Colleges Women’s Caucus, advocating for women’s leadership and pay equity across the system.
During her tenure as Board Chair, SBCCD faced the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its recovery phase, with Dr. Viricel playing a crucial role in steering the district through these turbulent times.
Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez expressed her gratitude:
“Dr. Viricel’s wisdom and leadership have been instrumental in expanding access to higher education and creating opportunities for our community. Her steady guidance has helped us navigate challenging times and set a solid foundation that will benefit our students for years to come. I’m deeply grateful for her distinguished service and especially for her passion for arts education, which has greatly enriched our community’s cultural landscape.”
SBCCD Board Chair Dr. Stephanie Houston also praised Dr. Viricel’s contributions:
“Dr. Viricel has been a remarkable leader, not only within our district but also on a statewide level. Her unique perspective as a university-level business professor, nonprofit executive director, community advocate, mother, and grandmother has enriched every decision we’ve made as a board. We congratulate her on her new chapter and remain deeply grateful for her contributions to our district and the wider community.”
Reflecting on her service, Dr. Viricel shared:
“It’s been incredible to witness the growth of SBCCD — from advancing student success and achieving the highest level of accreditation, to developing new facilities and deepening our community engagement and industry partnerships. After nine fruitful years, I’m leaving with a heart full of gratitude for my colleagues, our students, and the dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners. I am excited to see how our district will keep growing and creating new opportunities for future generations and hope to continue to serve in a volunteer capacity.”
How to Apply to Fill Vacancy
Applications for the vacant position are due by May 22, 2024, by 4 p.m., with the appointment scheduled before July 11, 2024.
The selected candidate will serve out the remainder of Dr. Viricel’s term, which expires in December 2024.
Eligible candidates must be registered voters residing in Trustee Area 7. Interested individuals may obtain an application at the SBCCD headquarters, located at 550 E. Hospitality Ln., Suite 200 in San Bernardino, or online at www.sbccd.edu/about-sbccd/board-of-trustees.
Explore SBCCD Trustee Area 7
1. Visit the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters website.
2. Enter your address to find your voter district or select the “All Districts” tab.
3. From the drop-down menu, choose “San Bernardino Community College District Area 7.”
For further information about the Area 7 candidate application process, contact the SBCCD Chancellor’s Office at (909) 388–6903 or via email at hford@sbccd.edu.
The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) educates nearly 20,000 students at Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College, preparing them for university transfer and career success. SBCCD also operates a workforce training center and is home to KVCR Public Media, the NPR and PBS affiliate station for Inland Southern California on 91.9 FM and TV Channel 24. Learn more at sbccd.edu.
