With sadness, VCCCDRA has learned of the passing of Carolyn Dorrance on Saturday, May 23, 2026 after a brief illness.
Carolyn was a founding faculty at Oxnard College, having been hired in 1975. She served as a political science professor for 39 years, retiring in May 2014. In retirement, Carolyn served district retirees as a member of the VCCCDRA Executive Board as chair of the Scholarship Committee, a role that she fulfilled with dedication and deep commitment.
Carolyn received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history/political science from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts; a Master of Science from Columbia University; and a doctorate, Ph.D., from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
A memorial service for Carolyn will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Unity Church, 227 E. Arrellaga St, Santa Barbara, CA
Please use this link to read a tribute to Carolyn Dorrance by Oxnard College’s President of the Academic Senate, Dolores Ortiz.
Retired (February 2015); Dean, Career and Technical Education, Oxnard College (2008-2015); Professor, Business, Oxnard College (1992-2008); Adjunct Professor, Business, Business Information Systems, Moorpark and Ventura Colleges (1976-1992); Intermediate Steno Secretary, Moorpark and Ventura Colleges (1970-1974).