Regina Stanback Stroud held the office of ASCCC President from 1993 to 1995. The term of her presidency included not only the ongoing implementation of AB 1725 (Vasconcellos), the landmark legislation that re-shaped the California Community Colleges system, but also the only instance in which the ASCCC has voted no confidence in the system’s chancellor.
At the spring plenary session of 1994, the ASCCC passed a resolution voting no confidence in Chancellor David Mertes, citing a “consistent record of failure in following and facilitating his own consultation process.” As Regina explained the vote in a June 1994 Rostrum article, she noted the “environment of division” in which the system was operating under Mertes. Yet Regina persevered in leading the ASCCC and faculty statewide through one of the most difficult times the system has experienced, always keeping dedication to students at the forefront of the conversation.
Among her many other achievements as president, Regina’s focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion stands out. In recognition of her work on equity, the ASCCC established the Regina Stanback- Stroud Diversity Award, a state-wide honor that recognizes faculty whose work demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice. Likewise, in recognition of her leadership, the Western Regional Council on Black American Affairs established the Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud Leadership Achievement Award, awarded to individuals committed to leadership excellence and social justice.
Regina holds a doctorate and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Mills College, a master’s degree in human relations from Golden Gate University, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing sciences from Howard University. She began her teaching career as a professor of nursing at Rancho Santiago College, which is now Santa Ana College. After serving as both a local academic senate president and as the leader of the ASCCC, Regina went on to become a dean of workforce and economic development, a vice president of instruction, a college president, and a chancellor. She has also served as a visiting assistant professor in the Mills College Educational Leadership Doctoral Program and as an adjunct professor in the San Francisco State University Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. Her areas of scholarship include the intersection of critical race theory, Black feminist thought, and women’s leadership. She is now the CEO of RSS Consulting, LLC, facilitating racial and equity literacy development and executive leadership development.