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Trustee Wins National Award

Trustee Judy Chen Haggerty is flanked by one taller white man and an Asian man

October 29, 2024 - 04:11 PM

Mt. San Antonio College Board Member Judy Chen Haggerty was recently honored with a national award from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) in recognition of her decades of service.

Trustee Chen Haggerty received the M. Dale Ensign Trustee Leadership Award during the ACCT Leadership Congress held in Seattle. The ACCT bestows the annual award to one trustee nationally who has made significant contributions toward promoting America’s community college sector.  Trustee Chen Haggerty was joined at the celebration by Mt. SAC President Dr. Martha Garcia and School of Continuing Education Vice President Dr. Madelyn Arballo.Dr Garcia wearing a black dress stands next to Judy Chen Haggerty who is dressed in a green long gown

“As an API (Asian Pacific Islander), I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Trustee Chen Haggerty said at the event. “I extend my thanks to my entire Mt. SAC family. This award is great recognition of those who have mentored me, inspired me, supported me, voted for me in the past, and have been working with me for the best interest of our students for the past 23 years.”

This latest honor follows Trustee Chen Haggerty’s recognition as a regional community college leader in August.

"Identifying and recognizing outstanding community college leaders is a highlight of our year," said ACCT President and CEO Jee Hang Lee. "The 2024 awardees are among the most dedicated we've seen, reflecting our colleges' tireless commitment to helping students succeed. It is a privilege for all of us at ACCT to be able to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible people and programs at community colleges.”

Trustee Chen Haggerty has served on the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees for more than two decades. She was elected in 2001, making history as the first Asian-American to serve on the Board. During her tenure, she has served as president of the Board four times.

In her role as trustee, Chen Haggerty has demonstrated exemplary leadership by serving on various Board sub-committees. Her contributions have spanned critical areas such as Board Policy review, a President/CEO search, construction opportunities, and legislative firm selection, showcasing her dedication to the institution's governance and strategic direction.

At the national level, Trustee Chen Haggerty's involvement with the ACCT has been impactful. She served as Director-at-Large on the ACCT Board of Directors, chaired the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, and led the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American (APINA) Caucus.

Founded in 1972, the ACCT is the nonprofit educational organization of governing board, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees of community, technical and junior colleges in the United States.