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Thanks to her work to further diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging both at Saint Mary’s and throughout the region, Dean Sheila Hassell Hughes, PhD, who heads SMC’s School of Liberal Arts, has been honored with the 2022 Distinguished Advocate Award by the East Bay Leadership Council (EBLC).

Through her efforts with EBLC, Dean Hughes has advocated for Saint Mary’s on a regional scale. By hosting events on campus and actively participating in creating the group’s Opportunity Task Force, she has helped to establish the College as a key member of the council’s network of local leaders. 

“It has been an honor to represent Saint Mary's College on the EBLC Board of Directors, and I have loved working with the organization’s membership and staff,” said Hassell Hughes. “Advocating for the liberal arts and for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging—which are so crucial to the well-being of our communities and the vitality of our economy—is my passion! I am humbled and grateful to be recognized for this work with the Distinguished Advocate Award.”

EBLC included the following passage in its to be held at the Pleasant Hill Community Center in August.

For her committed leadership throughout the formation of the East Bay Leadership Council's Opportunity Task Force and ever-present focus on advancing our organization’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals. Her commitment to engaging colleagues and students at Saint Mary’s College in her role as Dean of the School of Liberal Arts has deepened the EBLC’s connection to this invaluable community asset and helped emphasize the importance of liberal arts education in the local workforce.