Dr. Judy Mays

Dr. Judy Mays worked as a counselor for over 35 years in the California community college system.  She began her career as a counselor at Bakersfield College in the Kern Community College District, moved onto Contra Costa College located in San Pablo, California and concluded her career in the Los Rios Community College District at American River College.  During her time as a counselor, Dr. Mays wore various hats and took onmany other assignments including the one she is most proud of—Umoja Coordinator. Dr. Mays served as a coordinator and counselor for the Umoja Sakhu Learning Community at American River College for over 10 years.  She is also an Umoja founder and currently serves on the Umoja Community Education Foundation Board of Directors as Secretary.  Havingbeen involved with the Umoja Community since its inception,Dr. Mays is very proud of the fact that Umoja continues to be the leading program in making a significant impact on the success, retention and goal completion of Black and African American students attending California community colleges.  She is very proud and excited to have the opportunity to stay involved with, and connected to Umoja through her service on the Board of Directors.

Dr. Mays earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts from Bakersfield College, a B.A. in Psychology from the California State University, Bakersfield, an M.A. in Education, Counseling and Guidance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a Ph.D. in Education Administration with concentration in Community College Leadership from the University of Texas in Austin.