MARYSVILLE, Calif. — Dr. Tawny Dotson, president of Yuba College, has been appointed to the National Commission on Small and Rural Colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges, or AACC.

Her term on the commission runs July 2024 through June 2027.

The commission plays a crucial role in the AACC’s decision-making process, ensuring the interests of member institutions are well-served.

Dr. Dotson’s designation is a reflection of her leadership, commitment and ability to impact the community college mission nationally.

“I’m grateful for an opportunity to make an impact for Yuba College and community colleges like it across the nation,” said Dotson.

“Supporting small, rural colleges like the one I’ve served for more than four years is incredibly important. These communities are where workforce development and social mobility are critical. I look forward to having a strong voice in advocating to support these colleges across the United States.”

Dr. Dotson has served as president of Yuba College since July 2020, navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing significant improvements across the organization.

Enrollment is recovering significantly from COVID-19 declines under her leadership, seeing a year-to-year growth of 9% in the 2023-2024 academic year.

The college has also expanded its dual enrollment partnerships to include more than 2,500 high school students throughout Yuba College’s service area and has completed a series of facility upgrades at the Marysville Campus, with more in progress.

During her tenure, Dr. Dotson has secured $1.2 million in additional state funding for a STEM facility project and developed a comprehensive plan to use operating and bond funds to remodel student learning spaces.

She has also played a key role in launching the college’s largest fundraising campaign from private donors for additional facility needs in the kinesiology, health and athletics areas.

“I came back to this community for a reason. I wanted to be a part of the community that supported me as an active-duty Airman at Beale Air Force Base and to be a part of realizing the opportunity I knew was possible in Yuba-Sutter through education,” said Dotson. “This appointment will be a chance to expand that opportunity with a direct connection to advocate for policy decisions that support communities like ours at the federal level.”