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We are excited to share the members of Generation Hope's California Presidents Circle, the first in a new national initiative designed to equip higher education executives with tools, data, and peer support to truly champion parenting students and their families.
March 24, 2026
San Diego Mesa College proudly celebrates Dr. Edeama Onwuchekwa Jonah, Associate Professor, Equity and Engagement Librarian, and Learning Resources and Academic Support (LRAS) Department Chair and Mesa’s DEIA Coordinator, as the recipient of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) Regina Stanback Stroud Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Antiracism, and Accessibility Award.
This prestigious statewide recognition honors faculty who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and student success across the California Community Colleges system. Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah’s work exemplifies this mission through sustained, transformative efforts that center students, remove barriers, and build lasting institutional change.
At Mesa College, Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah has played a pivotal role in reimagining the campus library as an equity-centered learning environment. Through curriculum collaboration, embedded academic support, and the development of culturally responsive resources, access to library services has expanded significantly. These efforts have led to measurable outcomes. Institutional data show that students who receive information literacy instruction achieve higher course success rates and stronger academic performance, with particularly meaningful gains among BIPOC students.
Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah’s leadership extends beyond the library. She has been instrumental in advancing Black student success through their work with the campus Harambee Protocol, a collaborative effort focused on improving outcomes for Black and African American students. Her contributions also supported Mesa College’s designation as a Black-Serving Institution and continue to shape the implementation of its strategic priorities.
In addition, Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah has strengthened access and engagement for students with disabilities by helping redesign library services and removing long-standing barriers. These efforts have empowered more students to independently navigate academic systems and fully engage in their educational journeys.
Colleagues across campus recognize Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah not only for her impact, but for how she leads.
“What stands out most about Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah is the way she brings people into the work. Her energy is contagious, her leadership is grounded in care, and she leads with a deep commitment to equity,” said President Hands. “The impact is clear, students experience spaces where they belong, and where they are able to fully engage, succeed, and thrive.”
Dr. Mary Gwin, Academic Senate President and Professor of Philosophy, emphasized the lasting institutional impact of Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah’s leadership.
“At Mesa College, Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah has taken on equity work in a way that is practical, sustained, and focused on long-term impact,” said Dr. Gwin. “She has helped ensure that equity efforts are tied to student success through data, collaboration, and intentional design.”
Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah authored the college’s first Library Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Strategic Plan (2023–2028), establishing clear goals, accountability measures, and a roadmap for continued progress. Through initiatives such as the DEIA@Mesa Newsletter and the DEIA-logue dialogue series, Dr. Onwuchekwa Jonah has created accessible, ongoing opportunities for campus engagement, helping embed equity into daily practice rather than isolated efforts.
Dr. Edeama Onwuchekwa Jonah’s leadership extends beyond Mesa College. As Statewide Lead for the Library Support Program’s DEIA Work Group, she contributes to advancing equitable practices across the California Community Colleges system.
Through every role, initiative, and collaboration, Dr. Jonah’s work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring students are not only supported, but truly seen.
Tags: Awards
Anabell Pulido
Public Information Officer
[email protected]
(619) 388-2759
San Diego Mesa College proudly celebrates Dr. Edeama Onwuchekwa Jonah, Associate Professor, Equity and Engagement Librarian, and Learning Resources and Academic Support (LRAS) Department Chair and Mesa’s DEIA Coordinator, as the recipient of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) Regina Stanback Stroud Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Antiracism, and Accessibility Award.
Connie Renda, MA, RHIA, CHDA, Program Director and Assistant Professor for Health Information Technology and Management, was recognized by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) with the prestigious Leadership Award.
We would like to congratulate our AANAPISI Program Activities Manager and Grants Director Leland Simpliciano as a recipient of the National Pacific Islander Educator Network (NPIEN) Educator Awards!
