California State University Channel Islands
At her core, Irene Pinkard is an advocate for social justice and educational equity. Her impressive trail-blazing career in educational leadership and local politics showcases her unwavering commitment to community and educational excellence at all levels. She holds a bachelor's degree in business and a master's degree in counseling from California State University, Long Beach, and a doctoral degree in educational psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Dr. Pinkard has served as an educator and administrator in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the Los Angeles Community College District and the Ventura County Community College District. She was voted Ventura College Outstanding Administrator for two consecutive years and ultimately retired from her position as Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources in 2003. In addition to her work in education, Dr. Pinkard is the first African American woman to have served on the Oxnard City Council including terms as mayor pro tempore and mayor. She also served as a trustee for the Oxnard Union High School District board for 10 years.
Dr. Pinkard is truly passionate about bettering the lives of those in her community. She, along with her late husband, Bedford, founded the Pinkard Youth Institute to provide young African American students the opportunity to attend college. She is a strong supporter of, and partner with, California State University Channel Islands through the African American Enrichment Academy and most recently with the opening of the Bedford and Dr. Irene Pinkard Multicultural Living-Learning Community. Both programs provide opportunities to cultivate leadership and mentoring skills, foster a sense of belonging and create more inclusive futures for African American students.
In recognition of Dr. Pinkard's extraordinary leadership in the fields of education and public service, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University Channel Islands are proud to confer upon Irene Pinkard the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.