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November 29, 2006 For Immediate Release For additional information: Barbara Kerr, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing Telephone: 360-992-2921 |
LEADS TO CLARK COLLEGE
Rassoul Dastmozd is the new Vice President of Instruction at Clark College
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Growing up in his native Iran, Rassoul Dastmozd dreamed of getting an education that would enable him to help others succeed. That dream brought him to the United States, where he started his first step in higher education at the Redlands Community College (El Reno Community College) in Oklahoma. He has now taken the next step by becoming the new Vice President of Instruction at Clark College.
After transferring from Redlands Community College, Dastmozd earned a Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree from Southwest State University in Minnesota and earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration at Drake University in Iowa. Currently, he is a PhD doctoral candidate from Colorado State University, majoring in Education and Human Resources.
Before joining Clark College, Dastmozd was dean of the Applied Technology Division in the Eastern Iowa Community College District. In that role, he was responsible for all credit vocational/technical programs and select noncredit technical programs. Since 2005, Dastmozd has also been serving as a mentor for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) MentorLink program, working cooperatively with AACC to provide leadership, technical assistance, and “best practices” advice to other colleges. He has extensive experience in curriculum development, grant implementation, student retention, alternative instructional modalities, and educational planning/oversight. In 2005, Dastmozd was the recipient of International Exemplary Leaders award.
Dastmozd also brings experience from the private manufacturing sector as well as providing industrial training to Cargill, John Deere Works, and Roquette.
Dastmozd is passionate about the role that community colleges have in the lives of students and in their communities. “I believe community colleges are the most dynamic, affordable, and accessible vehicles in responding to the needs of a changing population,” Dastmozd said. “This reflects my personal belief about the community college philosophy; that is, a community college's mission is based on responsiveness, equitable quality programming initiatives, and access. As a comprehensive community college, Clark’s mission is also based on responsiveness, equitable quality programming initiatives, and access. In addition, Clark College is committed to creating opportunities and positive experiences for our students so they can fulfill their dreams.”
Clark College interim President Robert K. Knight praised Dastmozd’s commitment to student success. “Rassoul understands the importance of the teaching and learning that happens in every classroom every day. He is committed to our focus on learning and to partnering with all areas of the college to ensure that every student gets the support they need to be successful and achieve their goals and dreams.”
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