Ron Oden for COD Board of TrusteesRON ODEN  for
College of the Desert Board of Trustees, Area 3
(Desert Community College TA3)

I am excited to announce my candidacy for College of the Desert (COD), Board of Trustee’s Area 3 in the November 5, 2024 election. Last year I was selected by the COD Board of Trustees from a group of applicants to fill a vacancy brought about by the retirement of the Area 3 Trustee. I was very proud to have gone through the process and then to have been chosen to represent my community, the Coachella Valley, as a Trustee.

In the short time that I have been on the Board of Trustees I have taken the responsibility very seriously and worked diligently with my fellow Board Members to bring progress and positive solutions to COD’s future. In my various past positions as Mayor of Palm Springs, COD Adjunct Professor since 1990 and Board Member of Cal State San Bernadino’s Palm Desert campus I have been a strong advocate for the West Valley Campus and the students it will serve.

My education includes a Bachelor’s Degree, two Masters Degrees and numerous additional postgraduate courses. Since 1990 I have been an Adjunct Professor at COD and taught at Desert Career College and Chapman University. I have served in numerous government positions, including election to eight years on the Palm Springs City Council after which I was elected to a four year term as Mayor. I am also proud to be the first African American to serve on the COD Board of Trustees. My education and life experiences combine to make me the strongest candidate for election to the COD Board of Trustees.

As someone who has served on the faculty of COD, I understand what is working well and where COD can improve in order to best serve students and recruit and retain the best faculty and staff. As the grandparent of a recent graduate, and having interacted with COD students for three decades, I know the challenges students face and the incredibly rewarding benefits of higher education.

I would be honored to have your vote for College of the Desert, Board of Trustees, Area 3 which will enable me to continue my strong advocacy for the students and faculty of COD.

Ron Oden for COD Board of Trustees

RON ODEN CURRICULUM VITAE

Professional Experience:

  • Adjunct instructor at College of the Desert, Desert Career College, and Chapman University.
  • Board member, Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus.
  • Pastoral care consultant at the Betty Ford Center.
  • Taught Mediation for Community Action Partnerships, Riverside; Director, Mediation Program, CAP, Olga Sanchez.

Public Service Experiences:

  • Served eight years on the Palm Springs City Council.
  • November 2003, elected Mayor of the City of Palm Springs.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in History, Sociology and Theology from Oakwood College (now University) in Huntsville, Alabama.
  • Master of Arts Degree in Theology with studies in Family Life and Counseling from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
  • Master of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies from State University of New York in Albany.
  • Post-graduate courses in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling Studies at Loma Linda University.

Ron Oden for COD Board of TrusteesRON ODEN,
UNIQUELY QUALIFIED
TO HELP GUIDE C.O.D.
INTO THE FUTURE
As the Coachella Valley continues unprecedented growth, the need to provide education and job training for all who would like it is imperative to the economic health of our Valley.

As an educator, Ron Oden has taught and guided COD students, helping them to improve their lives and increase their abilities to develop meaningful, lucrative careers that allow them to thrive here in the Coachella Valley.

As the former Mayor of Palm Springs, Ron Oden ushered the West Valley through a period of profound growth and economic development that helped build the foundation for the Valley’s current status as a worldwide destination for travel and business development.

Ron Oden is uniquely qualified to help to guide the COD Board of Trustees through this current, dynamic phase of its growth while assuring that all students receive the highest quality education while at COD.

LEADING C.O.D INTO THE FUTURE

Strong, experienced leadership is required as College of the Deserts moves towards expansion with the West Valley Campus. Ron Oden has provided that leadership and will continue to help guide COD’s growth into Palm Springs, Indio, and beyond.

Are You a Team Player?

With a reputation for collaboration, Ron Oden brings his unique background and skills to the COD Board of Trustees.

Advantage Over Other Candidates

Ron Oden brings years of public service as a teacher, leader, and elected official to the College of the Desert Board of Trustees.

Why Are You Running?

Ron Oden discusses the need for excellence in leadership on the College of the Desert Board of Trustees at this time of evolution and growth.

Positive Changes

After his appointment to the COD Board, Ron helped to move the West Valley plans forward.

Ron Oden Appointed

When COD needed to fill the Interim seat on the Board, it chose Ron Oden, a proven leader who’s history and track record as an ethical, energetic elected official and public servant in the Coachella Valley is unmatched.

West Valley Campus Moving Forward

After years of delay, the COD Board begins finalizing plans for Palm Springs Campus.