Linda Thor Would Like to Continue the Work She Has Started on the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board

Dr. Linda Thor, with her colleagues, has enjoyed great success on the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board bringing the post-secondary institution into the Twenty-First Century and inaugurating programs that better prepare students for the careers of tomorrow in affordable programs. 

Seeking a third term, Dr. Thor would like to continue building on the programs and successes she and her colleagues have started in improving student achievement and securing financial stability for the local community college system.

Dr. Thor graciously took the time to respond to questions about her candidacy for reelection to the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board. 

The questions and her responses are below. 

1) What are the two reasons you would like to seek a new term on the board?

1.  Thanks to the voters of Maricopa County, over the last eight years the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board has transformed from a divisive, controversial board to a board that functions as a team.  All board members care deeply about the colleges and the students we serve.  I want to maintain and strengthen that stability.

• For nearly three decades, I was a community college president or chancellor.  I want to continue to draw on that experience to ensure that the Maricopa Community Colleges remain one of the premier college districts in the country. I have a career-long commitment to innovative, accessible, affordable, quality education that serves the students and our communities equally well. 

2) What are two achievements from your last four-year term that you would like to highlight to voters?

1. Gaining legislative authority for community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in areas of high workforce demand for tuition of around $12,000 for all four years.  I have worked on this issue for 25 years!

• Returning voice and representation to the employees, establishing a student trustee position and student senates at the colleges and at the district level.

3) What are two issues you would like to pursue if reelected to the Maricopa County Community College Board?

1. Successful implementation of the new strategic plan that focuses on increasing student success and organizational efficiency.  The plan is the first in many years.

• Seek a long-term solution to the 1980’s expenditure limit that threatens the ability of the colleges to spend the funds we already have on quality educational programs and services.

4) Is there anything not covered in the first three questions you would like the reader to know about you or your candidacy to the Maricopa County Community College Board? Please explain. 

I would like to share a little more about my background.  I have a doctoral degree in community college administration and leadership.  I worked in community colleges for 41 years, including 29 as a CEO.  Specially, for nearly 20 years I was the president of Rio Salado College. I love community colleges as  I know from personal experience that community colleges change people’s lives.

Please take a look at Dr. Thor’s Facebook Page by clicking below for more information about her and her campaign.

https://www.facebook.com/Thor4Board/