Philanthropic Foundation Board of Governors

Kathleen Hodge

Kathleen (Kathie) Hodge '71

President
Retired, Fullerton College

 

Guided by her belief that access to higher education is a fundamental ingredient of an enlighten culture, Kathleen O’Connell Hodge (Kathie) devoted her entire career to higher education.  She served on the North Orange County Community College District (NCCCD) for six years as president of Fullerton College and district vice chancellor. Most of her career was served in the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCD) and Saddleback College where she served for 28 years in a wide variety of positions including district appointments as vice chancellor of instruction and acting chancellor. In the SOCCD, Hodge held full-time faculty positions in psychology and counseling and adjunct appointments in communications and leadership. Academic positions included dean of continuing education and emeritus institute.

In 2010, Hodge retired from California Community College System. Prompted by her spirit of adventure and her dedication to higher education, she left retirement and accepted an international position in the United Arab Emeritus (UAE) as the director of Abu Dhabi Women’s College (2010), the college’s first woman director. She then served as the director of Abu Dhabi Vocational Educational & Training Institute (ADVETI) crafting a system of vocational education. She was also appointed acting managing director.

Hodge holds a doctorate degree in higher education from the University of Southern California, a master's degree in counseling and a bachelor’s degree in speech from California State University, Fullerton, and an associate degree in liberal arts from Citrus College. In addition to her academic experience, she is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

In retirement, Hodge continues her service in higher education as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Emeritus College of Advanced Education (ECAE) and as a member of the California State University, Fullerton Alumni Association (CSUFAA) Board Directors.