You don’t have to look far to be inspired.

On September 11, Dr. Ana M. "Cha" Guzmán, our school’s new president, amazed students, faculty and staff when she stood up in front of the hundred plus people who had packed themselves before the big screen television in the Student Center.

The eyes that just moments before had been staring in shock at the television were now on Guzmán, who lead the shell-shocked crowd in a prayer. It was brief and to the point, but the prayer had a calming effect. Guzmán gave hope and reassurance to all gathered during a vulnerable time in our nation’s history.

"As someone who believes in prayer, I was very surprised that she took the initiative to bring prayer back into the schools,” said Gloria Alvarado, a business major who is a returning adult student. "I was very impressed that she was able to do that at such a difficult time."

The crowd was brought together by a tragedy, but prayer united them.

Guzmán was most recently Vice President of the Cypress Creek Campus of Austin Community College. She has also held several positions in The Texas A&M University System, including the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Support Programs. Guzmán was senior adviser to the U.S. Department of Education Secretary in the Clinton Administration, as well as Chair of the Presidential Commission on Excellence in Education for Hispanic Americans.

Guzmán started her position as president of Palo Alto College on August 13. In the two months she has been here, she has already petitioned the district for more than $5 million to fund future construction: a Science and Occupational Technology Building, an enlargement of the cafeteria and dining area, a reconfiguration of the Performing Arts Auditorium and the construction of an outdoor athletic facilities complex.

"What I would like to do is work with faculty to broaden the offerings, to include occupational/technical programs, the medical professions and the bio-sciences," said Guzmán.

"We have many plans not to be told yet," said Guzmán when asked about any further renovations. "I am going to work very hard with the faculty and staff to really infuse a lot of activity and energy into what is happening with Palo Alto."

There have also been some changes in the structure of the administration. "I felt that as a new president, it was important for me to have direct access to the deans, who were working directly with the faculty," said Guzmán. "I love to work with faculty; they are the blood of the college."

The previous administration had a "hierarchical organizational structure," according to the newly appointed Interim Dean of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Stacey Johnson. This structure included an Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, who was eliminated to provide the president more direct communication with the deans and chairs. Now the structure consists of Guzmán, six deans and four directors.

"Dr. Guzmán brings such incredible vitality and energy to the job of president," said Johnson.

Not only does Guzmán bring vitality and energy to the job, she also brings ideas for the improvement of the campus and campus life. Another proposal implemented under Guzmán’s administration is to have Student Services available to evening students. As of October 11, campus support services will remain open until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to provide services such as admissions, counseling and student financial services.

There are also plans to increase the amount of money available for financial aid and scholarships, for developing a strong student government and for funding more and stronger student organizations. There are additional plans to repave the parking lot near the GE building. Plans also include more lighting and additional signs to make it easier to find where you are going.

In an extremely short amount of time, Guzmán has already accomplished much.

"I feel so honored to be here," said Guzmán. "I think that there is so much potential here. I truly love being on a campus that has young students. I am really looking forward to meeting many of them, to meeting many of the faculty. I will seek out, and I want students, faculty and staff to seek me out so that this can become a real family. I am here to stay."