Former Greenfield resident achieves doctorate

GREENFIELD – After residing in South County, King City High School graduate Maria de Lourdes Villarreal achieved one of the highest educational degrees, a doctorate.

On May 12, Villarreal received her Ph. D in Education from the Claremont Graduate University

“I received a Ph. D in Education with emphasis in higher education in four year universities including community colleges,” said Maria de Lourdes Villarreal.

Villarreal graduated from King City High School in 1979 and obtained her Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Arts in English both from California State University Fresno.

“Initially I had a BA and MA in English, but what I wanted to do is have a good and broad understanding of education,” said Villarreal.

Though Villarreal has a teaching credential, she chose to go a different path. Villarreal said, “I thought I would go to college and return to King City to teach at King City High School, but when I was in Fresno, I had an English professor who encouraged me to apply to the MA (Masters) program. I started the Master’s program. I owe it to her.” Villarreal taught at King City High School for three years and went on to teach English at Hartnell College.

While working at Hartnell, Villarreal ran for school board for the Greenfield Union School District, where she moved and most her family resided. She was a trustee for two terms.

Villarreal said, “The more I became involved in the community, the more I became involved in education.”

As for what motivated her to run for the school board, she said, “I wanted to know what the elementary school was like and if students are motivated early on because we lose Latino students early. I also felt I had a lot to contribute.”



For the complete article see the 06-27-2012 issue.

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