The award has been given out annually since May 2009 to honor community college classified employees who are committed to achieving equitable student outcomes, serving the institution's diverse student population and are leaders beyond their local institution, according to a statement from the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District.
Scott was formally awarded at the California Community College's Board of Governors meeting last week.
"I've worked in higher education for 20 years, and each of those years has been full of adventure, joy, challenges and triumphs," Scott told the Weekly.
"My dedication to this work is motivated by my deep commitment to see students succeed in reaching their educational goals. There are many students who struggle to do this, particularly students of color, because of the systemic barriers that impede upon their success," she added.
Scott has worked at LPC for nearly 16 years and has been a voice for equitable outcomes for minority students.
She is a member of the Black Education Association, which sponsors events for Black History Month and Black graduation and has worked to create a supportive and welcoming environment for students at the college's new Black Cultural Resource Center.
"I've experienced no greater joy in my career than those moments where I've been able to stand in the gap as an advocate, unofficial advisor, voice of reason, or voice of resistance for those who didn't have the tools, resources, or platform to fight for themselves," Scott said.
Scott volunteers at the resource center and spends time as a mentor in the college's Connect UP program, which aims to empower and support first-year Black students.
Additionally, she serves on the President's Advisory Council on Race and Equity.
"Carolyn Scott is one of the most visible and impactful equity leaders on the Las Positas College campus," CLPCCD Chancellor Ronald Gerhard said in a statement. "For over a decade, she has been a courageous voice for equitable outcomes for underrepresented students in our district — especially Black students."
Scott has also served on the district's Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Group, which works to diversify employee groups. Outside of LPC, Scott has been a member of the Village Demands Statewide Coalition on Black American Affairs, which is working to create a higher education system absent of anti-Blackness.
"Carolyn Scott is welcoming, a consummate professional and a wonderful mentor to faculty, classified professionals, students and administrators," California Community College Chancellor Eloy Ortiz said during the May 23 meeting. "She is a key source of institutional knowledge and is regarded as a go-to campus leader."
Each of the seven recipients of the Classified Employee of the Year Awards, including Scott, will receive a $750 cash award and a commemorative plaque.
"It's an absolute honor to be recognized for work I do from my heart to support our students in their educational endeavors," Scott said. "Winning this award encourages me to continue to strive for better educational outcomes. And I hope to continue to serve our students, campus and surrounding community in a way that promotes justice, unity, and success for all."
