AUGUSTA — The Maine Community College System (MCCS) welcomes Jasmine Sanders, of Augusta, as the new student trustee on the Board of Trustees. 

A lifelong learner, Sanders is working on her second associate degree at Kennebec Valley Community College, in nursing. She earned an associate in liberal studies last year and holds multiple health care-related certificates. 

Sanders works full time, is a single parent, and maintains top academic honors while remaining deeply involved in campus and community programs. She is board president of KVCC Rotaract, an extension of Waterville Rotary that develops a network of college-affiliated students and professionals. She is vice president of honor society Phi Theta Kappa, and is a member of the KVCC Student Senate, Future Nurses of America, and the KVCC Multicultural Club. She is also a student advocate for TRIO, a student services program. 

"Advocacy and service are integral to who I am, and I feel deeply honored to have the opportunity to make an impact on a broader level,” said Sanders. “I bring the perspective of a working mother who has faced many obstacles throughout her educational journey and has discovered what works to support student success. 

Sanders said support from people at KVCC, TRIO, and other organizations play a “huge role” in her success. 

“It warms my heart to know that I am showing my children, other young people, and fellow college students that what we feel and need during our educational journey matters. I hope to empower and encourage other students to use their voices to create inclusivity and change, because all our perspectives are important,” she said. 

Sanders is also an accomplished dancer and singer who continues to participate regularly at dance performances. In 2014, as a senior at Cony High School in Augusta, she sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City as a member of an honors choir. 

“Jasmine’s talents and experiences make her an outstanding addition to the board. Her perspective as a parent, student, and actively involved community member will be extremely valuable,” said MCCS President David Daigler. “I’m looking forward to having her on the board." 

Sanders was nominated by Governor Janet Mills and confirmed by the Maine Senate. She serves a two-year term. Her first board meeting was Wednesday, at the board meeting held at Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle. 

The Maine Community College System’s Board of Trustees is the policy making authority for the system and consists of 13 appointed voting members, one ex-officio voting member, and one ex-officio non-voting member.

Maine’s seven community colleges are the smart and affordable choice for lifelong learning in Maine. The colleges serve more than 33,000 people a year, through two-year associate degree and one-year certificate programs, short-term workforce training, early college programs, advanced certificates, and other learning opportunities. Learn more at www.mccs.me.edu.