Dianne G. Van Hook

Dianne G. Van Hook

Chancellor, Santa Clarita Community College District
1981, Ed.D., Educational Administration, University of LaVerne
1975, Master of Science, Psychology/Counseling, University of LaVerne
1972, Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, CSULB
1970, Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts/Child Development Certificate, Long Beach City College

Dianne Van Hook is both the youngest individual (appointed in 1988) and the longest serving district CEO in the California Community College system. Prior to her present position, she served at several community colleges, rising to instruction/student service dean at Feather River College (1984-86) then College District dean at the Lake Tahoe Community College District (1986-88).

During her tenure at Santa Ana College, from 1977-84, she launched the New Horizons program for re-entry students, which was implemented at 60 California colleges. From 1976-83, she taught graduate psychology at the University of LaVerne.

She began her career as a teacher in the ABC Unified School District (1972-77). Her civic advocacy includes founding the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) Child Care Task Force, SCV Arts Council and the Network of California Community College Foundations. Also, she has served as president of California’s three major organizations for community colleges.

Van Hook has received every statewide award bestowed specifically on community college CEOs, including the Community College League of California's Five Star Leadership Award, and was named the 2009 L.A. County Woman of the Year.

In 2013, she will participate in the CSU Working for California project. Her past CSULB volunteer work includes sitting on the Alumni Association board of directors and emceeing Concerts in the Grove. Her husband, Roger, is an alumnus (B.A., 1966; M.A., 1968; speech communication). Van Hook’s hobbies include yoga and photography.

From Alumni Awards 2013 program