Riverside City College's Pamela J. Starr, Ph.D., Named 2026 CAPED Administrator of the Year

Riverside City College (RCC) proudly recognizes Pamela J. Starr, Ph.D., for being named the 2026 Administrator of the Year by the California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability (CAPED). The statewide recognition honors her more than 25 years of leadership, advocacy and commitment to advancing educational access, equity and student success for individuals with disabilities.

Starr was nominated by five members of RCC's Disability Resource Center (DRC) team: Crystal Lau, Scott Brown, Jaron D. Paschke, Vivian Ygloria and Josephine Su’a. Their nominations highlighted her exceptional leadership, compassion and lasting impact on both students and colleagues, emphasizing her ability to create an inclusive environment where individuals feel supported, respected and empowered to succeed.

Throughout her career, Starr has been a dedicated advocate for students with disabilities, contributing to initiatives at the institutional, regional, state and national levels. Through her advocacy and committee service, she has worked to remove barriers to higher education and ensure that students with disabilities have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their educational experiences. Her commitment to accessibility extends beyond compliance, reflecting a belief that every student deserves equitable opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals.

Beyond her institutional contributions, Starr is recognized for fostering a workplace culture rooted in collaboration, mentorship and professional growth. Her colleagues describe a leader who listens without judgment, prioritizes employee well-being and actively supports the advancement of her team. From mentoring employees as they pursue new professional opportunities to advocating for workplace accommodations, Starr demonstrates a leadership philosophy grounded in compassion, accountability and action.

The collective nominations reflect the profound influence Starr has had on the Disability Resource Center and the broader RCC community. Her leadership has helped strengthen an environment where students and employees alike are encouraged to recognize their potential, overcome challenges and pursue meaningful opportunities.

The CAPED Administrator of the Year Award recognizes administrators whose leadership and dedication have made significant contributions to disability services in postsecondary education. Starr's recognition reflects not only her professional accomplishments but also her continued commitment to building inclusive educational environments and empowering those around her.

Riverside City College congratulates Starr on this distinguished honor and celebrates her ongoing contributions to advancing accessibility, equity and student success in higher education.