Alumna Breaks Barriers in Higher Education

Alumna Kathy Bakhit’s journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and breaking barriers. She began as an ESL student, determined to build a better future for herself and her family. While raising three children, she pursued her education, earning degrees in economics and, ultimately, a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne.

That determination has defined her career. Now, as assistant superintendent and vice president of academic affairs at Antelope Valley College, Bakhit has spent more than 30 years to fostering student success and promoting opportunities in higher education.

Leadership is not about us—it’s about those we serve.

Her story is especially powerful during Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate leaders who open doors for others and redefine what is possible. As the first Jordanian American woman to hold her position, Bakhit understands the importance of representation and mentorship. She has spent her career lifting others as she climbs, ensuring that the next generation of students—particularly young women—see themselves reflected in leadership.

She credits her time at the University of La Verne with preparing her for the complexities of leadership.

“What I learned by going through the EdD program was crucial to my ability to navigate the landscape of administrative leadership successfully,” she said. “I reference the materials every day to gain a better understanding of the issues I face.”

But it wasn’t just the coursework that left an impact. A defining moment came on the very first day of her organizational leadership program, when the concept of love in leadership was introduced. The idea caught her off guard.

“Going to university in two countries and studying economics, people don’t talk about love in academic settings,” she recalled. “But that principle grounded everything we did. It reminded us that leadership is not about us—it’s about those we serve.”

That lesson has stayed with her. Bakhit has become a mentor and role model for young professionals, especially women in her community.

“Women in my community reach out to seek advice around college and life planning, especially for their daughters,” she said. “I am honored to be a role model for what young women can realistically aspire to be because they see that it is possible to advance themselves through education.”

Her advice to aspiring leaders is simple but powerful: be curious, go beyond what’s expected, and build strong relationships. She also stresses the importance of integrity in the workplace, particularly in the tight-knit world of community colleges.

The University of La Verne’s Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership is a three-year, 54-unit hybrid program designed for professionals in education, business, nonprofits, and government. It focuses on progressive leadership development, moving from personal growth to team dynamics and organizational change, culminating in a dissertation. Students participate in regional learning groups for collaboration, networking, and skill-building.