Delta College officially swore in four trustees earlier this month, marking the start or continuation of their service on the institution’s governing body. The trustees, representing diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, aim to guide the College in addressing key issues in the coming year.
New Trustees Join the Board
Three newly elected trustees—Dan Wright, Shelly Swanson, and Dr. Catalina Piña—begin their terms following victories in November’s election. Trustee Dr. Armando Valerio, who ran unopposed, was provisionally appointed in May 2024 and will continue his role.
Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson expressed gratitude to the trustees for their service. “The Board of Trustees plays a critical oversight role at Delta, and I look forward to working with all of our trustees as we tackle many important issues in the coming year,” she said.
Meet the Trustees
- Shelly Swanson (Area 1): A retired accountant and long-time Stockton resident, Swanson has been a strong advocate for Delta College, supporting disability services, lobbying for state funds, and championing employee rights. Her family has deep ties to the College, with her husband teaching there for over 24 years.
- Dan Wright (Area 2): With 40 years of experience in education, Wright previously served as acting superintendent of Stockton Unified School District and a member of the Stockton City Council. His dedication to early literacy and education reform has made a lasting impact on the community.
- Dr. Armando Valerio (Area 5): A Delta College alum and healthcare professional, Valerio brings over 30 years of experience to the Board. He currently manages San Joaquin Public Health Service’s Children’s Services Medical Therapy Program and is involved in various community service initiatives.
- Dr. Catalina Piña (Area 6): As a first-generation community college graduate and educator with 24 years of experience, Piña is committed to championing students from all backgrounds. She currently teaches high school Spanish in Tracy and holds advanced degrees in educational leadership.
Looking Ahead
The Board also named longtime trustee Janet Rivera as Board president for 2025. Rivera expressed enthusiasm for the year ahead, stating, “We have much work to do for our students and for the community, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Delta College serves over 26,000 students across its Stockton and Mountain House campuses, offering trade programs, transfer units, and online courses.
