Ron Oden for COD Trustee, Area 3
I am excited to announce my candidacy for College of the Desert (COD), Board of Trustee’s Area 3 in the November 5, 2024 election. Last year I was selected by the COD Board of Trustees from a group of applicants to fill a vacancy brought about by the retirement of the Area 3 Trustee. I was very proud to gone through the process and then to have been chosen to represent my community, the Coachella Valley as a Trustee.
In the short time I have been on the Board of Trustees I have taken that responsibility very seriously and worked diligently with my fellow Board Members to bring progress and positive solutions to COD’s future. In my various past positions as Mayor of Palm Springs, COD Adjunct Professor since 1990 and Board Member of Cal State San Bernadino’s Palm Desert campus I have been a strong advocate for the West Valley Campus and the students it will serve.
My education includes a Bachelor’s Degree, two Masters Degrees and numerous additional postgraduate courses. Beginning in 1990 I have been an Adjunct Professor at COD and taught at Desert Career College and Chapman University. I have served in numerous government positions including election to eight years on the Springs City Council and elected to a four year term as Mayor. I am also proud to be the first African American to serve on the COD Board of Trustees. My education and life experiences stand out as the strongest candidate for election to the COD Board of Trustee’s.
As someone who has served on the faculty of COD, I understand what is working well and where COD can improve in order to best serve students and recruit and retain the best faculty and staff. As the grandparent of a recent graduate, and having interacted with COD students for three decades, I know the challenges students face and the incredibly rewarding benefits of higher education.
I would be honored to have your vote for College of the Desert, Board of Trustees, Area 3 which will enable me to continue my strong advocacy for the students and faculty of COD.