Kern County leaders join CSUB in pursuit of social justice

Traco Matthews and Katie Russell to join president's African-American Advisory Council

By California State University, Bakersfield

June 23^rd, 2020

President Lynnette Zelezny is pleased to announce that two respected Kern County leaders in the quest for social justice have agreed to join the president’s African-American Advisory Council to offer guidance as CSU Bakersfield pursues its mission to make higher education accessible, equitable and welcoming for all students.

CSUB alumnus Traco Matthews, human resources director for staff development at Kern County Superintendent of Schools, and Katie Russell, recently appointed as the first African-American woman to lead the Panama-Buena Vista School District, have joined the Council, effective immediately.

“Traco is at the forefront of the conversation about racial justice and equality in our community,” President Zelezny said. “And Katie is new to our community, bringing fresh perspectives and experiences to Kern County. Both will bring energy and passion to the Council.”

Traco Matthews, who has a bachelor’s degree in economics from UC Davis and an M.B.A. from CSUB, thanked President Zelezny for the invitation to lend his voice to the Council.

“I’m truly honored to serve on the African-American Advisory Council for CSUB. When given the opportunities to engage, blacks have always found great success through education. I look forward to bringing my experiences and voice to the council to advocate for black students in this community.”

Russell brings 25 years of experience at Fresno Unified School District, the fourth largest school district in California. Her educational path started as an elementary teacher for 10 years before she became an administrator at the elementary and then middle school level for 11 years. She comes to Panama-Buena Vista from her role as an instructional superintendent.

"I value diversity, educational excellence and equity, focused on building collaborative relationships with parents, students and the community,” Russell said.

The President’s African-American Advisory Council provides vital guidance, information and diverse perspectives to leadership at CSU Bakersfield. The objective of the council is to ensure CSUB remains focused on being a welcoming environment for all students and clearing hurdles to success.

CSUB values and champions diversity. We proudly educate thousands of first-generation college students from throughout the state, who model their success and achievements to their families and communities, helping to dismantle barriers to college attendance throughout our region.