Black Lesbian to Lead Montgomery College

DeRionne P. Pollard, who is African-American and openly lesbian, will take the helm of Montgomery College in Maryland this August.

According to the Maryland Gazette, Dr. Pollard was selected after a five-month nationwide search that drew 50 applicants.

“Pollard, with 15 years of teaching and leading community colleges on her resume, has been the president of Las Positas College in Livermore, Calif., since 2008. During that time, the community college has seen nearly a 15 percent increase in enrollment. The Las Positas College enrolls roughly 8,800 students, while Montgomery College — the largest community college in Maryland — enrolls roughly 60,000 students.”

Pollard and her partner of over 20 years, Robyn A. Jones, have a 3-year-old son, the Gazette reported.

Earlier this year, Raynard Kington, who is openly gay and African-American, was appointed president of Grinnell College in Iowa.