[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 192 (Tuesday, December 3, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING DR. CINDY L. MILES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 3, 2019

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I rise with admiration and 
respect to honor the career of one of San Diego's most dedicated public 
servants and leaders, Dr. Cindy L. Miles.
  Dr. Miles is retiring after ten years as Chancellor of the Grossmont-
Cuyamaca Community College District, where she transformed public 
higher education in eastern San Diego County and opened the doors to 
college for thousands of students.
  In the decade since Dr. Miles joined the college district as 
chancellor, the number of graduates from Grossmont and Cuyamaca 
colleges increased by 78 percent, and the number of degrees and 
certificates awarded at the colleges rose by 178 percent. Under her 
direction, the district has been recognized nationally for removing 
barriers to student success and eliminating longstanding equity gaps 
that have impeded students of color in their educational pursuits.
  One of Dr. Miles's most successful innovations was the creation of 
the East County Education Alliance in 2014, which initially began as a 
partnership between the district and the Grossmont Union High School 
District to ensure a smooth path for students between high school, 
college, and eventually, into a career. In 2019, the Mountain Empire 
School District joined the Alliance, ensuring that every public high 
school student in eastern San Diego County could benefit. As evidence 
of this fact, the Alliance was selected by the League for Innovation in 
the Community College for a national Innovation of the Year award.
  The prestige of the two campuses was significantly advanced during 
Dr. Miles's service as chancellor. In 2018, the California Community 
College Chancellor's Office awarded Cuyamaca College the John W. Rice 
Diversity and Equity Award and Grossmont College was recognized as a 
Champion of Higher Education.
  Dr. Miles has played an influential role in state and national 
community college organizations. She served on committees and task 
forces for the American Association of Community Colleges, the American 
Council on Education, the California Community Colleges Chancellor' s 
Office, the Community College League of California, and the Accrediting 
Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
  While her presence in the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College 
District will be missed, Dr. Miles has created a culture of progress 
that will endure for years to come. I extend my congratulations and 
best wishes to her for a well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________