September 2015
As the seasons change, we often are torn between looking forward to the new and regretting the departure of the wonders of the season we are in. So while we are sad to say goodbye to Priyadarshini Chaplot, we are happy to welcome Willard Hom as the new editor of Perspectives.
Over her four-year tenure as editor, Priya has provided us with issues that were full of important national, state, and local research, planning, assessment, and professional development news. Working with many of us in the California community, Priya has had an incredible talent for getting each of us to write timely and significant articles about our work. However, with her move to New York City last summer, it has become more challenging to keep a pulse on all the California stories and efforts, and Priya suggested that we seek a replacement. Though she is leaving her Perspectives role, Priya will continue to work closely with the RP Group on research projects and other organizational communications efforts.
Looking for a new editor was a daunting undertaking. Yet, through a series of serendipitous meetings, we realized that the perfect person was in our midst. Willard Hom is a happily retired former CCCCO director as well as a respected youth tennis coach in Sacramento who also happens to be a former journalist. From our vantage point, he has the perfect mix of community college experience along with the analytical mind of a researcher and reporter. When we met with Willard, it was clear that he was an excellent fit for this work. Welcome Willard!
Priya, thank you for your creativity and leadership. We particularly appreciate your good spirit and support to all who have authored articles over the past four years--especially those of us who may have rushed our writing or fumbled our deadlines! We are grateful!