Jan Yoshiwara, a longtime educator with the state’s community colleges, has been chosen to be the next executive director of the State Board for Community Colleges. She replaces Marty Brown, who is retiring.
Yoshiwara, currently the board’s deputy executive director, has been with the agency since 1984.
In a statement, state board Chair Shaunta Hyde called Yoshiwara “the perfect fit” for the job.
“She analyzes data, sees emerging trends, and molds that knowledge into incredible opportunities for students and employers,” Hyde said.
As deputy director of the 34-college system, Yoshiwara has overseen grants and has supervised state-level research on community and technical college students, staff and resources. She has also built partnerships with a variety of groups involved with community college success, including high schools, universities, and business and labor leaders.