Contra Costa College’s Demetria Lawrence Selected for Statewide Classified Employee of the Year Honor

San Pablo, CA – Contra Costa College’s (CCC) Demetria Lawrence has received the 2021 Classified Employee of the Year Award by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Lawrence, along with four other classified professionals from Irvine Valley College, Long Beach City College, Los Angeles Valley College and Yuba College, received the honor at the Board of Governors May 24, 2021, meeting.

“This year’s Classified Employee of the Year recipients have exhibited an unyielding commitment to students, to their colleges and to their profession during a profoundly difficult year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the California Community Colleges is honored to recognize these heroes,” said Board of Governors President Pamela Haynes.

As CCC’s Adult & Alternative Education Transition Specialist, Lawrence supports the college’s most impacted students as they strive to reach their education and career goals. As a key contributor to California Adult Education Program Consortium, Lawrence exemplifies the goals and commitments outlined in the Vision for Success. Colleagues and professionals throughout the District consistently seek her expertise and voice of reason in matters related to data and accountability, successful engagement strategies and more. Lawrence is also responsible for CCC’s ongoing participation in the Bay Area’s Correction to College workgroup and was nominated by the Adult Education Partners to participate in a District Attorney’s initiative called Re-Envision Juvenile Justice.

“I am humbled by the award and the nomination,” said Lawrence. “I am able to do what I do because I get to work with such amazing people. They are committed to our students, college and community.”

The Classified Employee of the Year Award honors classified professionals who embody leadership, demonstrate the highest level of commitment to the Vision for Success, set an example of professional ethics and standards and are devoted to the mission of the community colleges. Classified employees with a minimum of five years of service as a permanent employee are nominated by their colleagues and endorsed by their local board of trustees. They are then selected by representatives from the Board of Governors, the Consultation Council and the Chancellor’s Office. Each recipient of the Classified Employee of the Year Awards receives a $750 award and a commemorative plaque.

“Contra Costa Community College District is proud to have another one of our classified professionals recognized with this statewide honor,” said Chancellor Bryan Reece. “Increasing student success requires a team approach with leadership at all levels, and Demetria has shown through her actions the important contributions classified professionals can make for our students. On behalf of the Governing Board, I want to congratulate Demetria on this wonderful recognition.”

To review the California Community Colleges’ press release visit: https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/News-and-Media/Press-Releases/2021-bog-honors-employee-of-year

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves a population of 1,019,640 people, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, as well as educational centers in Brentwood and San Ramon. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.