With a commitment to closing equity gaps, Anabel Toche steps into the role of Executive Dean at Sierra College to drive student success and completion.
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| Sierra College appoints Anabel Toche as Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion, bringing 25+ years of experience in advancing student success. Image: Sierra College |
Rocklin, California, USA — February 14, 2025:
Sierra College is excited to announce the appointment of Anabel Toche as its new Executive Dean of Student Equity and Completion. In this key role, Toche will spearhead efforts to ensure all students have equal opportunities for success and graduation.
Willy Duncan, Sierra College's Superintendent/President, expressed enthusiasm for Toche’s appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Anabel to Sierra College. Her extensive experience and deep commitment to equity align seamlessly with our mission of fostering a culture of belonging and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed."
Toche brings over 25 years of experience in higher education and is a strong advocate for equity and student success. Most recently, she served as the Dean of Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness at Yuba College. As a Latina and a first-generation college graduate, Toche offers a unique and valuable perspective in her leadership role. She holds a bachelor's degree in Leadership Studies from Cal Poly Humboldt and an MBA from Southern Oregon University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at UC Davis.
In her new role, Toche will collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners to create an inclusive environment that supports Sierra College’s diverse student body while implementing strategies to enhance student success and completion.
“I am honored to join Sierra College and excited to work alongside the community to advance equity and student success initiatives,” said Toche. "I look forward to building on Sierra College’s strong foundation and collaborating with everyone to foster a culture where students feel valued, supported, and empowered."
Throughout her career, Toche has led initiatives aimed at transforming student success, including programs such as EOPS/CARE/NextUp, CalWORKs, TRIO, MESA, and the Puente Project. She has also championed efforts supporting LGBTQ+, DREAMer, and AANHPI students, focusing on holistic student support and dismantling barriers to equity.
Toche’s leadership philosophy, "Think Student and Then Decide," emphasizes a student-centered approach to decision-making. Her work has led to measurable improvements in closing equity gaps and increasing student engagement, making her a perfect fit for this important role at Sierra College.