Expect great things now and the coming years at Oxnard College for the school is heading into a new age as faculty and staff welcome their new Dean of Student Services Dr. Karen Engelsen.
“I want to be a part of the success that will be Oxnard College.
Engelsen might be new on campus but her passion for it does not fall short. She plans to work together with the faculty to better the experience for student at Oxnard College.
The first half of Engelsen’s career took place in human resources for fifteen years. She did her share of helping others in the community when she realized that despite helping others, good people were being limited. Her thoughts were that if she could work at school she could start at the root and help people at a college level.
By helping people from the college level, “it creates a strong community”, said Engelsen.
Engelsen obtained her PhD in higher education in 2000 and has worked at several different colleges including, Monetary Peninsula College for four years, Pima Community College for 13 years and now at Oxnard College.
According to Engelsen, Oxnard College will be going back to basics. The focus will be put back into courses, services, and more importantly making sure that the student experience is memorable.
“The best student success takes place outside and inside the classroom,” said Engelsen.
Engelsen strongly believes that having a good college experience is a necessity for motivating people to move forward. Her and the administration all share the same idea when it comes to the College; they want it to be the college to be at.
Compared to previous jobs, Engelsen appreciates the fact that this Oxnard College has a strong sense of community. Her belief is that a strong community creates for better student learning. And that eventually, new leadership will make Oxnard College the shining star of Southern California.
Engelsen said that Oxnard College has a rich community and is excited to join it.