COSTA MESA, CA - Coast Colleges Trustee Lorraine Prinsky, Ph.D. announced she will conclude her service on the Board of Trustees effective March 3rd. Originally elected in 2008, Trustee Prinsky served continuously on the Board for 17 years. Her fellow board members selected her for leadership positions every year she served, including four terms as the Board President.
"Serving on the Coast District Board has been the capstone of my career in higher education," said Trustee Prinsky. "I used my experience as a faculty member at CSUF along with my unique knowledge of educational technology and teaching skills to inform my work as a Trustee at Coast District. It has been the honor of my life to be elected by my constituents to contribute to and maintain the excellence of Coast Colleges."
Trustee Prinsky has a well-earned reputation as a thoughtful and pragmatic leader who prioritizes student success. During her service, she led efforts to attract and retain outstanding faculty while also instituting several good governance policies for the Board.
"I have been honored and privileged to work with Trustee Prinsky for over three years and I am grateful as she was one of the trustees who selected me to serve as chancellor," said Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D. "I appreciate her dedication and devotion to the entire Coast District, the voters and taxpayers, our employees and most of all, our students."
A longtime educator, Trustee Prinsky earned her Ph.D. from UC Irvine and taught at Cal State Fullerton for 37 years, where she received numerous awards for service to her students. Dr. Pinsky is widely published and is considered an expert on juvenile justice and delinquency.
During her time on the Board, Trustee Prinsky was an enthusiastic supporter of each college in the District. She championed the new Orange Coast College Planetarium from its earliest concept and served on its advisory committee as the domed structure grew into a state-of-the-art facility. Trustee Prinsky also developed and funded both the Golden West College Social Science Scholarship and the Coastline College Faculty Innovation Award, but her impact extends far beyond Coast Colleges. She was a Girl Scout leader for a decade. Dr. Prinsky has also served as a docent for the Bolsa Chica Land Trust and mediator for both Groundswell and the Small Claims court in Orange County.
Trustee Prinsky will remain active in the Coast community. She continues to work closely with District's student council, participates in advocacy trips to Sacramento, and leads an annual service event at the Bolsa Chica wetlands.
On January 2, 2026, Trustee Lorraine Prinsky submitted her deferred resignation from the Board of Trustees to the Orange County Superintendent of Education. Trustee Prinsky's deferred resignation is effective March 3, 2026. Pursuant to Education Code, the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees will make a provisional appointment or order an election within 60 days to fill the vacancy.
###
| 
