Meet David Coleman, A Distinguished Educator

For 16 years, David Coleman has served De Anza as a well-respected counselor who is extremely popular with students. His approachable style, professional expertise, and ability to navigate bureaucracy render him an exemplary educator. Whether he is working with students in individual counseling sessions, teaching an orientation class, or conducting a workshop for a specialized cohort, David establishes a positive and safe atmosphere.

"He is a champion of student equity and has directed limited resources in highly strategic ways to serve underrepresented students," said Vice President of Instruction Judy Miner. "Colleagues who appreciate his sense of innovation and vision often use the words 'enthusiastic' and 'energetic' to describe him."

Fellow counselor Randy Lomax said, "David is one of my favorite people. He has his head on straight. I have the utmost respect for him, both personally and professionally. He is a consummate professional who has shown his commitment to students of color since he began working at De Anza. He has worked with special programs aimed at keeping underrepresented students in school until graduation. He has been and continues to be part of a mentoring program for African Americans."

David has worn many hats during his time at De Anza: He has served as the college's Ombudsperson, the acting Dean of Counseling and Matriculation, the coordinator of the STARS program, the director of the Student Success and Retention Services program and most importantly as a counselor. "In each of the roles and responsibilities David has held, he has demonstrated his competency, dedication and commitment to students. He is an important part of De Anza's success and reputation for excellence," said Robert Griffin, vice president of Student Services and Institutional Research.

Howard Irvin, chair of the Counseling Department, said David has always had a sincere desire to educate and to retain students, and is known for his caring and supportive demeanor. "David has taught numerous Human Development and Counseling 100 courses in his tenure at De Anza. He was additionally instrumental in creating study skills courses in the Counseling Division," Howard said. "But teaching doesn't only occur in the classroom, it also occurs in counseling sessions. David is inundated with students seeking his assistance in their academic success. He is often seen walking around campus engaging students and encouraging them to get involved in campus activities and festivities."

David said he teaches because of the example set by his parents. "I was fortunate to be exposed to education as a career early in life. Both of my parents were social workers. Later, my father became an educator, and my mother taught adult and special education in the Los Angeles Unified School District," he said. "My mother, Florence McCoy, went back to school in her late 50s and completed requirements to become an elementary school teacher with an emphasis in special education. I visited many of her classes and was always impressed with her ability to truly connect with such a wide range of people and to be so interested in and supportive of their success in school and life. I learned a great deal about service from her."

Dr. Hymon T. Johnson, director of the Educational Opportunity Program and Associate Professor of Education and Black Studies at UC Santa Barbara, was a huge influence on David in undergraduate and graduate school. "Hymon is a bit of a philosopher, poet, and renaissance man with an MBA and an eye toward business. I learned from Hymon that you don't have to fit into any particular mode to be a good educator," David said.

Randy said one of his memorable observations of David is his laughing with the hordes of students around his office door waiting to see him. "His sense of humor is another of his fine qualities," Randy shared. "Communication skills are probably at the top of the list of David's talents. Whether at a department meeting or in front of a class, he is immensely good at talking to and communicating with people, in business, school or social settings."

"It seems to me that there are many ways to work with and support students," David said. "Whether I am in the classroom or working with students in groups or individually, I have learned to listen more, and then listen some more. It is amazing to me how much I learn from the 'students' and how much insight and depth they have when I'm not the one doing the talking."

David has this advice for students: "Study yourself. You are your own 'blueprints' for success. Make the effort to find out what moves you and what is important to you. Find your own rhythm and approach. Learn from others and treat folks the way that you would like to be treated."

This truly distinguished educator chose "The Opposite of Fate" by Amy Tan as his award from Judy's stash of autographed books.