Lynda M. Rogers retiring as dean of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension

It is bittersweet to share news that Lynda M. Rogers, dean of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, has decided to retire, marking more than 12 years with UC Santa Cruz and 30 years of service in public education.

Lynda has been instrumental in the success and growth of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, which is serving more students than ever. About 15,000 students annually enroll in extension courses to advance their professional skills, while 7 million K-12 students take standardized assessments designed and administered by Smarter Balanced. UC Scout, meanwhile, ensures every student in the state can take essential courses needed for college admissions by offering online college preparation and Advanced Placement courses.

Please join me in thanking Lynda for her academic and strategic leadership for this crucial area of our campus and system.

The campus will soon start a search for Lynda's successor.

In the meantime, it is a pleasure to announce that Therese Ammiro, assistant dean of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, has agreed to serve as dean for extension on an interim basis. Pending approval from UC President Janet Napolitano, this appointment will begin July 1, 2018, and extend until we fill the position on a permanent basis.

Therese has been part of UCSC Silicon Valley Extension for 15 years, working in roles across the organization starting as an academic programs specialist and later advancing to a systems analyst and project manager. Her talent, insight, and leadership led to more responsibility, with her serving as director of business communications, and then bureau chief for information communications technologies before taking on her current role.

She earned her bachelor's degree in advertising from San Jose State University and a master's in business systems management from Notre Dame de Namur University.

I look forward to working with Therese during this leadership transition.