California State University, NorthridgeCalifornia State University, Northridge
September 27, 1996
Contact: Bruce Erickson or,
Carmen Ramos Chandler,
(818) 677-2130
berickson@exec.csun.edu or cchandler@exec.csun.edu
Kennedy began her career in higher education in Ventura County in 1974 as assistant director of the Ventura Learning Center, a cooperative project between the CSU and University of California systems.
She became director of the center in 1982 and in 1988 the center officially became the Ventura Campus of CSUN.
CSUN President Blenda J. Wilson accepted Kennedy's retirement with "profound regret" and "abiding gratitude for your exemplary service."
Wilson said the vision for a free-standing CSU in Ventura County would never have been realized "except for the hope and promise your work has represented during these past twenty-two years."
"You have given more than anyone could have asked to the cause of bringing educational opportunity to the residents of Ventura County. You are the embodiment of the mission of the CSU and much beloved as a leader in higher education and community service," Wilson wrote Kennedy in her response to Kennedy's retirement.
Wilson also noted the dramatic growth of the Ventura center under Kennedy's direction, her extensive involvement in community service, civic clubs and cultural activities, and her success at fundraising.
"Much of the growth and success of the Ventura Center is due entirely to Joyce's entrepreneurship, her tireless work, and her dedication," Wilson said.
Before moving to Ventura to help establish the joint CSU/UC learning center, Kennedy was national director of the Canadian Association for the Mentally Retarded in Toronto, Canada.
She has served as a board member with the Greater Ventura Chamber of Commerce, the Ventura Downtown Rotary, the Ventura Arts Alliance, the Red Cross and Ventura branch of the American Association of University Women.
Kennedy earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, her master's degree in mass communication from Cal State Northridge, and her Ph.D. in educational policy and organizational studies from UC Santa Barbara.
She was named Outstanding Woman Educator of the Year in 1986 by the Ventura County Commission for Women, and receive an Achievement Award from the Phi Delta Kappa, Buenaventura Chapter of 1988.
in 1993, she was commended in a joint resolution by the California Legislature for her "exemplary display of responsible and dedicated service to her community and illustrious record of accomplishments." Also in 1993, the Ventura branch of the American Association of University Women established an annual scholarship in her name.
Wilson said she would name a successor to Kennedy before the end of the year.