Dr. Ashanti Hands, a Community-Based Block (CBB) Counseling Program graduate who also received her Educational Doctorate in Community College Leadership from San Diego State, has been named the new Vice President of Student Services for San Diego Mesa College.
“Ashanti has proven her capabilities during her tenure as Dean of Student Affairs at Mesa College,” Mesa President Dr. Pamela T. Luster said. “Our students just love her.”
Hands will be responsible for 20 student service departments, services, and operations consisting of admissions and records, counseling, financial aid, and many others. Hands has also served as assistant dean and coordinator of student activities at the University of California, San Diego and as an extended opportunities programs and services (EOPS) counselor at Grossmont College.
“Mesa College has a strong foundation rooted in teaching and learning,” Hands says of her new position. “I look forward to building on our successes, and advancing the conditions that will enable our students to thrive. To serve in this capacity at this time in our State’s history at this amazing institution of higher learning, is an absolute honor.”
Dr. Hands attributes much of her continued success to the SDSU College of Education and its diverse, in-depth programs.
“I can honestly say that I utilize my learning and experiences from [Community-Based Block] on a daily basis,” Hands said in a letter to President Hirshman. “I am a proud product of CBB and believe in the teaching, learning and care for practitioners and multi-cultural environments that the program embodies.”
Of the Educational doctorate program, Hands says, “I could not have asked for a better program. From day one, I felt supported. I felt like my success in the program was not a destination; it was a journey.”
Many congratulations to Dr. Hands! We are so happy and proud of her new leadership role at Mesa College.
Watch Dr. Hands in the SDSU Ed.D. in Community College Leadership video here on YouTube