President JoAnna Schilling sent out a letter to the staff on Wednesday, Nov. 9 that announced her retirement from Cypress College after six years of heading the school. Her retirement will be effective next year in June of 2023.
Before Cypress College, Dr. JoAnna Schilling was the Dean of Arts and Cultural Programs, Continuing and Contract Education, and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs from 2006-2012 at Rio Hondo College. She then was the Vice President of Academic Affairs/Assistant Superintendent at Cerritos College from 2012-2016.
At Cypress College, Dr. Schilling started new traditions such as BuenCypress and Presidential Scholars of Distinction.
She has also set Cypress up for success since 2017. During her time here, Dr. Schilling has helped bring the school to be the number one community college in California twice: once in 2018 and the other in 2020 according to Niche. As well as being recognized as an Equity Champion in 2021 and 2022.
Dr. Schilling then goes on to express the rise in degree and certificate completion. She said that since 2018 there has been a rise of over 43% in the number of students finishing their degrees and an almost 75% increase in certificate completion.
In her last year here, Schilling was named Citizen of the Month in April 2022 by California State Senator Josh Newman. Newman is a representative of California’s 29 Senate District. UC and Cal State Transferring Season “For the month of April, I was very pleased to have the opportunity to recognize another outstanding community member, Dr. JoAnna Schilling,” said Sen. Newman. “As President of Cypress College, Dr. JoAnna Schilling has firmly established herself as an exemplary administrator, educator, and role model through her ardent and effective commitment to strengthening and increasing the accessibility of California’s community college education system.”
At the end of her announcement, she thanks all the faculty for their help in the students’ and campus’s success. Although she is saddened to end this chapter at Cypress College, she said that she will continue to work hard as the President until she retires. She expresses her excitement and plans for the rest of her time here. Some of the projects she remains committed to are Guided Pathways 30, applying for student housing funding for a new 400-bed complex, expanding the capacity for mental health services, etc.
As the school says goodbye to Dr. JoAnna Schilling, there remains a successful future for students and faculty at Cypress College.
“I know that Cypress College will continue to be a champion for equity, social justice, and student success for many years to come. Thank you for allowing me to take this amazing journey with you!” Schilling said.
