LUCERNE, Calif. – A talented local educator has been named to a leadership position for Lake County's first four-year college campus.
Marymount California University President Michael Brophy announced the appointment of Michelle Scully as the executive director of the University’s Lakeside Campus located in Lucerne.
“Michelle is an amazing talent and an educator with genuine passion for teaching and learning. She is the perfect candidate to build on the positive relationship that has developed between the region’s leaders and the university,” offered Dr. Brophy.
Scully assumes her leadership with the university on July 1.
“I am honored to be a part of the Marymount California University team,” said Scully. “The staff at MCU has worked in partnership with the county of Lake to create educational opportunities for those living in Lake County. Students from Mendocino and Yuba Colleges, as well as residents who want to complete their college education or further their professional development will be attending MCU.”
Scully holds a master’s degree in biology from California State University, Chico. Since 2009 she has been an instructor of biology at Mendocino College.
Scully has lived in Lake County since 1995, when she and her husband moved to join her husband's family in the pear packing/farming business.
She has worked with many community groups including the Lake County California Women for Agriculture, where she served as president; Konocti Christian Academy, where she was one of the founding members of the board of directors; and also has served on the Lake County Chamber of Commerce board.
Her work with the Lake County Hunger Task Force has included a fundraising effort, the Bountiful Gift Box Project. For the past three holiday seasons producers of wine, walnuts, olive oil, pears and apples have donated their locally-grown products to the Gift Box Project and the proceeds from the sales of the boxes are donated to feed the county’s hungry.
Scully also has served as a member of the college's local advisory council. Her colleagues on that council greeted her appointment with enthusiasm.
“There couldn’t be a better choice for the students, the community, and the University,” said businessman Bill Kearney.
“Michelle will do an outstanding job. She is a perfect choice for this very important position,” said Kelly Cox, the county's retired administrative officer, who himself worked tirelessly to bring Marymount to Lake County.
Cox added that Scully's selection demonstrates the university's commitment to the future success of the Lake County campus.
Annette Hopkins, president of the Lake County chapter of the California Women for Agriculture, said Scully's experience, interests and personality make her a “natural” for the job.
“This is fantastically good news for the college and for the community – I can't imagine anyone with better personal and professional qualifications for this demanding job,” said Victoria Brandon, another advisory council member.
Wilda Shock, another advisory council member who has been involved in guiding plans for an educational campus at the historic Lucerne Hotel, called Scully's appointment “inspired.”
“Michelle’s knowledge of Lake County – the communities, the people, the issues – and her passion for quality education makes her selection especially timely. We will all benefit from her involvement as the executive director,” Shock said.