The First African-American President of Kansas City, Kansas Community College

This week Doris F. Givens began her new duties as the fifth president of the Kansas City, Kansas Community College. She is the first woman and the first African American to lead the college.

Dr. Givens has been serving as vice chancellor of educational services at the Kern Community College District in Bakersfield, California. She previously served as president of Spokane Community College in Washington and as interim president at Los Angeles City College and West Los Angeles College. Earlier in her career, she was the head of the black studies program at San Diego City College.

Dr. Givens holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Diego State University. She earned a doctorate in community college leadership at the University of Texas.

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