A.V. COLLEGE PROFESSOR RECEIVES AWARD FOR TEACHING, MENTORING.

Byline: John Sanders  Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Professor Patricia Sandoval has become Antelope Valley College's third recipient of the Hayward Award for Academic Excellence, a top state award for community college teachers.

Sandoval, a professor of psychology, social and behavioral sciences who has taught at the college since 1976, was described as an outstanding psychology instructor who uses a variety of learning strategies to make abstract theories come alive for her students.

``I think it's quite an honor for Patricia to be nominated for such a prestigious award,'' said the dean of social and behavioral sciences, Fred Thompson. ``It just underscores the hard work and dedication she's given to the college.''

Sandoval and the three other recipients of the 2000 Hayward Award from around California will be recognized March 13 at a Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges meeting in Sacramento.

Sandoval's award is the third in the college's history. In 1991, Bruce Smith won the award and the following year Martha Wengert was honored. Nominees are judged on five criteria: commitment to serving students, commitment to the college, participation in professional and student activities, commitment to education and serving in statewide or national activities.

Aside from her teaching ability, Sandoval was cited for her work in establishing a mentoring and peer counseling program, overseeing the college's women's conference and work on the college's accreditation self-study.

This is the second nomination for Sandoval, who teaches child and Chicano psychology. Each community college can nominate one faculty member a year.

``I'm still kind of in shock,'' Sandoval said last week after her honor was announced. ``Last year when I was nominated I felt really good because it means a lot to have your colleagues recognize you.''

Nominations come from each college's academic senate. There are 107 community colleges in California and more than 70,000 community college faculty members.

Sandoval holds bachelor's and master's degrees from California State University, San Bernardino. She is a member of the California Association of Bilingual Educators, Association of Mexican-American Educators and California Association of Hispanic Psychologists.

``In high school I used to have dreams (where) I could see me teaching adults,'' Sandoval said. ``I just knew where I was supposed to be.''

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Photo: (color) Professor Patricia Sandoval of Antelope Valley College is a recipient of the Hayward Award.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer