Thames, who will officially begin her duties as WHCC president Feb. 1, has more than 19 years of experience in higher education. She currently serves as the vice president of instruction at Modesto Junior College. She previously served in several capacities at the Modesto campus, as well as at American River College and at the Los Rios Community College District Office.

Thames is also a 2016-2017 Fellow with the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence. In 2014, she completed the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management.

Thames said she is honored to be joining the WHCC family.

“WHCC has a long history of providing access, educational opportunity, and academic excellence to the communities on the west side of the Valley,” Thames said in a statement. “Students are the central focus of the college and this core value is the very heart of our work. I look forward to becoming part of the community and joining with the exceptional faculty and staff of WHCC in the relentless pursuit of student success.”