Resolution Honoring the Service and Leadership of Kate Williams Browne

Adopted: August 20, 2020

Whereas, Kate Williams Browne has admirably served the Skyline College Academic Senate as president from 2014 to 2020, as vice president from 2012 to 2014, and as a representative senator for her division for several years prior, adding up to a legacy of faculty leadership that has been a model to all who know her;

Whereas, Under Kate’s leadership, the voice of the Academic Senate grew stronger, more resonant, more diverse, and more broad-reaching than ever before, ushering in a focus on greater collaboration and more meaningful dialogue on teaching and learning;

Whereas, Kate’s self-described “relentless” nature has been a force that has caught up everyone in her immediate surroundings, invigorating those around her to do more, do better, and do it all for our students;

Whereas, Kate’s breadth of knowledge of the education system in the State of California as well as her pioneering position as an Early Childhood specialist has sharpened the lens on teaching and learning for Skyline College, enabling us to see our students as sojourners on complex pathways from their early beginnings as child learners all the way through to the professionals who emerge from our classrooms ready to contribute to our society; 

Whereas, Kate’s insistence on asking the difficult questions in pursuit of the best answers has often meant being willing to say what no one else was willing to say and tirelessly asserting faculty purview, a commitment that has resulted in more transparent and inclusive leadership and richer learning for our students; 

Whereas, Kate’s remarkable commitment to inclusivity has been most notably demonstrated in her re-envisioning of the role of the president by sharing authority and responsibility, setting a shining example of how leadership is best when it is collaborative and operates on trust; and

Whereas, Throughout her service on the Skyline College Academic Senate, Kate’s motto, “We’re Better Together,” has embodied foundational principles of collegiality, faith in her fellow faculty, collaboration and support for Classified Professionals, professional demeanor with administration, and never-ending advocacy for our students;

Resolved, That the Skyline College Academic Senate wholeheartedly thank Kate Williams Browne for years of patient, steadfast, bold and unprecedented leadership of an Academic Senate which is left so much better than it was when she began; and

Resolved, That the Skyline College Academic Senate send Kate Williams Browne off to her new position as District Academic Senate President-Elect with all the faith, hope, and trust that she has shown in her campus colleagues.