Valentina Purtell Appointed Provost of the School of Continuing Education
Ms. Valentina Purtell has been named as the fifth provost of the School of Continuing Education (SCE). She was officially approved by the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Board of Trustees—which governs Cypress College, Fullerton College, and the School of Continuing Education—at their December 13 meeting. Purtell has served as Interim Provost since July 1, 2015, and began her permanent post on December 14.
“During the hiring process, Valentina consistently demonstrated a commitment to our SCE students, a dedication to moving SCE forward, and excellent knowledge of noncredit and adult education programs,” said NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Cheryl A. Marshall. “In addition to her expertise, Purtell’s leadership style is an ideal fit for SCE’s culture. I am fully confident she will continue to lead SCE toward a successful future.”
Purtell began her career with SCE in 2002 as an English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Assistant, and then ESL Program Manager. Prior to serving as Interim Provost, she was Dean of Instruction and Student Services at SCE’s Cypress Center. Purtell has also served as an instructor at several institutions, including Hope International University, Chapman University, and Rivne State Humanitarian University.
“I am honored to have been selected as SCE’s Provost,” said Purtell. “I have seen the transformational power that SCE has on the lives of our students. I am passionate about our mission to serve the whole community and to empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.”
Purtell earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Applied Linguistics from the Rivne State Humanitarian University in the Ukraine. She has served on the Board for the Association of Community and Continuing Education (ACCE) since 2011, and has been active on several statewide committees, including the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) Noncredit Taskforce.
December 16, 2016