Alice Mecom has officially become the new dean of Communications and Languages at Rio Hondo. Prior to becoming the division’s dean, she was an ESL Instructor in Dallas, Texas before moving to Los Angeles City College, fulfilling the same role. She was an associate professor at Glendale Community College, as well as a member of the Academic Senate. Her experience as an administrator began at Pasadena Community College where she was Associate Dean.

Dean Mecom understands the challenges of being a new administrator wanting to implement a vision without having an established rapport.

“My first plan, really, is to get to know the faculty and their views on the student experience,” stated Mecom. She wants to create “win-win” situations for everyone involved that advances the college and the students.

Having been a faculty member for many years, Mecom wants to use her experience as an instructor to help faculty members and students.

“There are conditions as faculty that you work under that impede student learning,” said Mecom, sharing her impetus for becoming an administrator. Air conditioning not working or not enough sections being available are problems that plague community colleges.

“It’s frustrating when you’re in a classroom and you’re only supposed to be working on the students in your classroom,” Mecom continued.

“Students go to different colleges because they can’t get the classes they want or need,” she said, while also highlighting the frustration students face when having to complete another campus’ assessments.

Aside from having to deal with the bureaucracy of campus administration, Mecom is also attuned to the struggles of students juggling life at school and at home. Dean Mecom is keenly aware of the challenges students face as well.

“Teachers and administrators know that students need to be supported not just instructionally but holistically.”