Santa Rosa Junior College added two academic deans to its ranks recently after some vacancies from retirement.
Josh Adams is the new dean of business and professional studies and Cathy Prince is dean of instruction and strategic program development. Both Adams and Prince have been with SRJC for several years.
Adams, a native to Sonoma County, started working in information technology in 1993. He began his career at a doctor’s office while in high school, where he helped build their computer network. He moved to San Jose at 18 to become Hewlett-Packard’s youngest customer engineer.
In 2001, Adams discovered his educational passion as an instructor at Empire College. He started teaching at the United States Coast Guard Information Technology School in 2003.
While with the Coast Guard, Adams continued his education, earning his associates degree at SRJC. He furthered his education at Columbia College, where he completed his Bachelor of Science and Master’s degree in business administration.
SRJC hired Adams as the instructional computing manager in 2011. Previously, he was the interim dean of business and professional studies.
Adams is now completing his doctorate of education in organizational leadership at Brandman University.
Adams, a perpetual optimist, loves creating relationships with industry partners, students, and other SRJC staff. He enjoys basking in the warmth of the people and culture at SRJC. “Being a native to Sonoma County, I have always respected Santa Rosa Junior College and knew I wanted to work here,” he said. “Santa Rosa Junior College helped make my dreams come true and it is truly an honor and privilege to serve SRJC’s students in achieving their dreams.”
Cathy Prince began her career at SRJC in 2009 in student services as the manager of career development services. In her six years at SRJC, she has worked in both student services and academic affairs.
She is an accomplished grant writer, having helped SRJC receive a $2 million federal grant. The grant writing part of her new position at SRJC is something added just for her.
“My strengths are looking at all of the resources available for the district. Listening to more people with different people brings better resources to the district,” Prince said. “I love having contact with students. There is always something to learn here.”
Prior to SRJC, Prince worked as a CEO and national trainer for the Boys & Girls Club of America, where she wrote curriculum for their family support program.
Prince is an alumnus of Sacramento City College and CSU Sacramento. Her thesis was a product of Plaza Comunitaria, the native language literacy program opened in partnership with the Mexican Consulate for residents in Sonoma Valley. It provided a free learning environment for adult learners to complete their elementary education, as well as improve their vocational skills and career opportunities.
Adams and Prince bring major federal funding and experience to their job.
