MISSION VIEJO : College Affirmative Action Chief Picked

Trustees of the Saddleback Community College District recently approved the creation of a new administrative position designed to ensure that affirmative action issues among district employees are being properly addressed.

Linda M. Newell of Laguna Niguel began work last week as the college district’s new director of affirmative action programs.

“By creating this new position, the district has shown that it has a commitment to addressing these issues,” said Newell, who began reviewing affirmative action policies and procedures this week.

Newell said she will take “positive steps” toward addressing issues of people historically underrepresented in the workplace because of gender, race, age, disability or religion.

Newell has more than 15 years’ experience in administering, coordinating and supervising affirmative action and faculty and staff diversity programs, Chancellor Richard Sneed said.

“We are very fortunate to have gained her expertise,” Sneed said.

Newell previously was the affirmative action administrator at Cal State Long Beach and also held a similar position with the city of Anaheim.

“I look forward to providing leadership that will support the district faculty and staff diversity goals,” Newell said.

The Saddleback Community College District, which has more than 1,800 employees, includes Saddleback and Irvine Valley colleges, which have a combined student population of more than 33,000.