SACRAMENTO STATE
Made at Sac State
College of Continuing Education
Dr . Colette Harris Mathews
Principal DEIB Consultant , Harris Mathews Consulting
BA and MA Communication Studies
Colette Harris Mathews ’ lifelong focus on Diversity , Equity , Inclusion and Belonging ( DEIB ) first took shape in a Sacramento State classroom .
“ As a sophomore , I took a Black Women in America class ,” Harris Mathews recalls . “ It was the first time I really saw myself in the literature . We read books that were pivotal in shaping my identity and culture as both an African American person and as a woman .”
Harris Mathews went on to earn her doctorate in Educational Leadership and teach Ethnic Studies and Communication Studies for more than 20 years . The Emeriti California Community College Dean has also held a variety of leadership positions , including principal consultant of Harris Mathews Consulting , a communication , organizational development , leadership and educational firm . She ’ s served as vice president of Sac State ’ s Black Alumni Chapter and currently serves as president elect of the Alumni Board of Directors and Nominations Committee Chair .
But no matter her role , Harris Mathews ’ goal is always the same .
“ All of my work is about looking at how to close the opportunity gap for African American student success ,” Harris Mathews says . “ You can make a difference in how people look at education . You can make a space where everybody feels welcome .”
Sacramento State ’ s College of Continuing Education strengthens communities through individuals , providing educational and professional programs to adult learners completing an interrupted education and youth exploring education and career possibilities .
CCE ’ s practical approach to workforce development prepares students to enter — or re-enter — the business community . Yet despite its critical role , the college receives no state funding and must rely on course fees and philanthropy to fund scholarships , support and innovation .
“ Continuing education serves individuals with needs beyond traditional education and meets the demands of today ’ s employers ,” says CCE Dean Jenni Murphy . “ For example , adult learners can access certificate courses online for topical , point-in-time learning ; businesses can invite CCE to lead critical training and develop their workforce ; and future first responders can practice paramedic skills hands-on and train with professionals in the field .”
In response to ProjectAttain !, the regional initiative spearheaded by Murphy to increase diploma , certificate or degree attainment among adults ages 25-64 , CCE recently launched HornetAttain ! The program strives to re-engage those students for whom a college education may have been interrupted or fallen by the wayside with the help of Achievement Advisors , who offer personalized one-onone academic and social support . “ We have a responsibility to serve all students , including those who started college but had to stop out along the way ,” says Sac State President Robert S . Nelsen .
“ The personal and economic impacts for an individual completing a degree are tremendous ,” Murphy says . “( Those impacts include ) career development , increased lifetime earnings , multi-generational family impact , better health , improved self-esteem and greater community involvement .”
— Jennifer von Geldern
40 comstocksmag . com | 2021