The new dean of business and family sciences is ready to draw upon a wealth of teaching experience, and a love of the local community in his work with students, faculty and staff at Cosumnes River College.

As the dean of business and family sciences, Powell oversees many departments including business, accounting, CIS (computer and information sciences,) real estate, early childhood education and more.

He has been given the responsibility of helping faculty in the business and family sciences division. He will be working on development and execution of curriculum, helping enrollment growth for the campus while being an advocate of student success.

“He cares about his students,” said Rischa Slade, student affairs specialist and former coworker of Powell at Solano Community College.

Powell began working at CRC after spending over a decade teaching political science and law at Solano Community College. Prior to teaching college, Powell worked as a substitute teacher at multiple high school campuses in Vallejo, CA. After many years of serving students through teaching, he is ready to use his broad range of experience to help guide the efforts of the business and family sciences department.

“I love Sacramento, and I believe wholeheartedly in the students in this area,” Powell said.

Powell is widely missed by former students and staff at Solano Community College. He is described as a “thoughtful instructor with engaging ideas and interesting classes,” said Slade.

“I think he has impeccable character. He is incredibly ethical, thoughtful and I know that students adored him,” said Celia Esposito-Noy, superintendent president at Solano Community College in Fairfield, CA.

Powell regards himself as ‘student-centered.’

“The goal is always to ask, ‘how does this help students’,” Powell said as he discussed his philosophies as an educator.

Focused on helping students achieve their academic goals, Powell helps those on the road to receiving their degree, whether they are ready to transfer or simply completing a single college course.

“If you want to be great, it takes doing more than the minimum,” Powell said. “Being great requires doing what most are afraid to attempt or don’t want to do.”

When it comes to student success, Powell believes in collaboration on all fronts.

“When everyone is working together and on the same page, we can achieve so much,” Powell said.

He encourages students to continue to work hard even when the path to getting a degree seems tedious and lengthy.

“Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary situation,” Powell said.

He said that he believes the rewards gained from an education and earning a degree are worth the time invested.