NOBODY TOO YOUNG OR OLD TO LEARN, TOP PROFESSOR FINDS LONGTIME AVC TEACHER HONORED AS SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE.

Byline: Charles F. Bostwick Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Antelope Valley College counselor and psychology professor Richard J. Manley has taught inmates inside prison. He survived cancer and wrote a book about it. He was instrumental in establishing the college's career center, and he led the committee that searched for a new college president.

In 18 years at Antelope Valley College, he has counseled an array of students - recent high school graduates, women getting off welfare and workers in their 50s and 60s retraining for new careers after losing jobs or pensions.

``I love helping people determine what they want to do for their lifetime career goals. What are their dreams? What are their loves?'' said Manley, a full-time counselor and a part-time instructor in human-development courses. ``It's helping them redirect their lives - reorient their lives and give them hope their future can be better.''

Manley was honored Wednesday with as the college's Scholar in Residence, the top honor for a faculty member.

Described as thoughtful, creative and innovative, he was singled out during the annual Faculty Recognition Day.

Others on the faculty choose the Scholar in Residence as one who brings credit to the college, is a compassionate and skillful educator, demonstrates persistent dedication to innovation and excellence, and increases knowledge in his or her academic discipline, college officials said.

``I can think of no one who in his 18 years at AVC is more deserving, better qualified and fits the criteria for this honor better than Richard J. Manley,'' said Lee H. Grishman, the college's Transfer Center coordinator, who nominated Manley for the award.

Raised on a farm, Manley taught and worked as a counselor at community colleges in Illinois and Texas before going to work in Antelope Valley College's counseling division in 1988.

His Illinois work included seven years teaching psychology and career-development courses inside Joliet state prison for the local community college.

``That was a unique experience,'' Manley said.

A Palmdale resident, Manley came to Antelope Valley to be near his children after his ex-wife moved to Southern California with them.

He wrote a book about surviving cancer, ``Portrait of Healing,'' published in 2003.

As the award recipient, Manley will conduct a public presentation in the next academic year.

Charles F. Bostwick, [phone]

chuck.bostwick(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) In the highest honor they can give a colleague, Antelope Valley College faculty members have chosen Richard J. Manley as Scholar in Residence. He has been on the faculty for 18 years.

(2 -- color) Counselor and psychology professor Richard J. Manley loves helping students determine and reach their lifetime career goals.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer