Candidate for
Trustee; Rancho Santiago Community College District; Trustee Area 4

Hi, my name is Robert Douglas. As an experienced business person and former professor with financial and communications expertise, I can help ensure that the College Board operates in a financially sound manner. I can help the College Board develop and implement forward-looking strategic action plans for its community colleges that capitalize on strengths and create a bright civic future. I am energetic and am dedicated to full time public service. I bring a rare breed of dedication and passion to this Board.

I was born in Warren, Ohio and have lived in Orange County for the past 30 years. I know the value of hard work and sacrifice. I enlisted in the United State Marine Corps at the young age of 17 years old. I quickly learned how to become a responsible man. After serving seven-and-a-half years in the Marine Corps, Honorable Discharged, I worked my way through California State University, Long Beach, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. I also received a M.A. Degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University in the City of Orange, and completed the Basic Police Academy. I have overcome many obstacles to obtain a quality education. I survived failure in entrepreneur endeavors. I struggled as a young man to find work. I suffered some of the same hardships that many people are dealing with today.

My life changed in 1995, when I obtained my B.A. It gave me the hope that I would one day become a professional and productive member of society. My drive to go into public service came from a deep desire to help people and provide opportunity for the community. I have extensive experience as a Teacher and 35 year government worker. I taught criminal justice courses at the high school, community college and university levels. I served 20 years as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. I served seven years and six months in the Marine Corps as a Rifleman. I am a former Member of the Orange Y.M.C.A, the Orange Chamber of Commerce, and a former Member of the Reserve Police Officer Association. I am also a proud Member of Post 132 American Legion in Orange.

I plan to use the resources in the community. My priorities include ensuring that public safety is of foremost concern on our community college campuses, so that every student is safe. I have learned how to build bridges between people with opposing ideals. I have found that simply listening is an effective form of education. Equally as important, I have learned the power of hope. In times of hardship, hope brings opportunity. My ultimate goal is to bring hope and optimism that the Rancho Santiago College District is the best community college within the State of California.