College Exec Named Woman of the Year

An Oxnard College administrator was selected Tuesday as Woman of the Year for the 37th Assembly District.

Assemblyman Tony Strickland chose Irene Pinkard, vice president of college services.

“She exemplifies the very best characteristics of community activism,” said Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks) in a released statement. “When Irene becomes aware that a need exists, she steps up to be part of the resolution and is a tireless advocate for residents of the district.”

Pinkard has worked in California’s community colleges for 28 years, spending the first 20 in the Los Angeles Community College District. She started as an instructor and eventually served as an administrator.

In 1992, she came to Ventura County as the dean of continuing education at Oxnard College. She then worked as vice president of administrative services and economic development. Pinkard has held her current position since 1997.

Pinkard also serves as a trustee for the Oxnard Union High School District. She is past chairwoman of the Black American Political Assn. of California, past president of the 20th Century Onyx Service Club and past commissioner for the Community League of California’s Commission on Legislation and Finance.

For the last eight years, Pinkard and her husband, Bedford, have facilitated tours for Ventura County students in which high school students have a chance to visit historically black colleges.

“I have been so blessed,” Pinkard said in a statement. “I just want to be able to give something back.”