Gayle Pitman

Dr. Gayle Pitman is an educational leader with over 25 years of experience in higher education. She currently serves as the Vice President of Institutional Equity, Research, and Effectiveness at Hartnell College, where she has made a significant impact on promoting equity and institutional change. Dr. Pitman’s leadership journey began at Sacramento City College, starting as a psychology professor and holding numerous faculty leadership roles, including the Academic Senate President. She later became the Dean of Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness, where she led a team in revitalizing the institutional data culture and driving improved student success and equity outcomes.

At Hartnell College, Dr. Pitman continues to lead transformative initiatives, including the college's ""One Hartnell"" work and collaborations with organizations like Achieving the Dream, Swim Digital, and the Community College Research Center. Her ability to use data to inform decisions, foster collaboration, and advance student success is central to her leadership style. She has built a reputation for inspiring and connecting with teams across faculty, staff, and administration, creating a culture of engagement and growth.

In addition to her work in higher education, Dr. Pitman is deeply involved in her community. She has served on multiple nonprofit boards in Sacramento and on the Central Coast, primarily with organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ community. She is also a steering committee member of Bright Futures, a cradle-to-career organization in Monterey County, and serves on the Monterey County Immigration Coalition, which unites stakeholders from K-12 education, nonprofits, healthcare, and government. Dr. Pitman’s passion for equity, student success, and collective impact has made her a respected leader in community college education.

Jackie Cruz from Hartnell College is also a 2025-2026 Rising Presidents Fellow