A brief biography, and why I am running for the NHUHSD board

By Dan Collen

My older son graduated from Humboldt State and works for the redevelopment agency for the city of San Jose. My younger son is a third year business major at California State University, Chico. My daughter began studying graphic design this fall at Santa Barbara City College. All three owe their success to the great foundation of knowledge, skills and perspective they received from our high school district.

I began my professional career as a student teacher at Arcata High in 1979 while pursuing a teaching credential at HSU. Since my own high school days as a student-athlete, I had it in my head that I wanted to coach.

When I accepted a position as Recreation Intramural Director in 1981 at Center Activities on the HSU campus, I found I was adept at managing teams, resources and fund-raising in a work environment. I strengthened those skills still further during my 17-year tenure as director of Center Activities, including 9 years managing the Arcata Community Pool.

I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as head coach of the HSU Women's Volleyball team for four years, three of which were the winningest years in the team's history.

Since 2001, I have led the HSU Athletics Department as its director.

It was my experience managing the Arcata Community Pool that awakened me to community service. The community pool is a facility serving people from all walks of life, from infants to seniors. During my tenure as pool director, I sought and obtained annual grants to fund swim and water safety lessons for low-income families, exercise equipment for seniors and a water slide largely used by teens. Through Center Activities, I secured grants to offer whitewater rafting and sea kayaking trips for disadvantaged youth.

Working in these areas connected me with many people committed to volunteering, leading to my involvement with community booster organizations such as Arcata Sunrise Rotary, Arcata Kiwanis, United Way of Humboldt County, the Boys and Girls Club of Humboldt County and the Arcata Chamber of Commerce.

When our first child entered high school, friends began suggesting that I should serve on the school board. I was reluctant to do so at the time, not wanting to appear as if I had an agenda. I had also found that having three kids is a second job unto itself, on top of my existing involvement with community organizations.

Since my youngest child graduated this year, I know I can now take on the job of district board member for all the right reasons, and with the time to do it justice.

I am excited by this opportunity to serve the school district and our community. The reason I am asking for your vote is the same reason every candidate asks to serve. I feel I bring beneficial skills to the job, am prepared for the commitment of service and want to help improve conditions for our young adults, teachers and staff.

I am asking you to elect me to the Northern Humboldt Union High School District board as your advocate so that your kids may continue to receive the same fine education as mine did. Thank you.