Pierce Instructor Named to State Panel

A Pierce College history instructor has been named to the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, which sets policy for all state community colleges to follow, officials announced Friday.

Patricia G. Siever,who has been an instructor at Pierce since 1989, was chosen by Gov. Pete Wilson to serve as one of the 16-member board’s two faculty representatives.

Siever has long been involved in state-level policy-making for community colleges, having served as president of the California Assn. of Community Colleges and as a member of the Legislative Reform for the Community Colleges Task Force.

But her true love, she said, is teaching.

“I’ve always said I’d pay to teach,” Siever said. “If I can make a positive impact on only one student in a class, I’m elated.”

In her new post, Siever could have an impact on the education of all community college students in the state. The board provides direction in the development of campuses and curriculum.

In addition to her teaching duties, the Culver City resident serves as faculty advisor for the United African American Student Assn.

She has been recognized for her achievement in the furthering of minority education with honors such as the Outstanding Black Educator Award from the Black Assn. of California Community Colleges.

And she is a revered instructor at Pierce, receiving the Golden Apple from the college’s Associated Student Organization during each of her years at the college, officials said.

Before teaching at Pierce, Siever was a founding faculty member at Mission College.