Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School Names New Trustee

Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School has announced the appointment of a new member to its board of trustees, according to the institution.

Vernon H. Taylor, who has previously served as the president of the school’s Workforce Training and Educations Alliance, or WTEA, has joined the board, Pacific Oaks said in a written statement issued Tuesday. He has also served in the past as associate vice president for military programs at National University.

“As a lifelong military educator, Taylor has committed nearly 50 years of service in the higher education, training, and governmental sectors,” the statement said.

Taylor said he was looking forward to continuing to work with the organization in his new role.

“I enjoy serving organizations that are devoted to supporting individuals [reaching] their full potential, especially within underserved communities,” Taylor said. “I have had the pleasure of working with remarkable individuals and organizations to make impactful things happen. I am delighted to join Pacific Oaks’ board of trustees to support its principles of social justice, respect for diversity, and value of the uniqueness of each person.”

Taylor joined the U.S. Army at 18, ultimately working as a military education counselor, according to Pacific Oaks.

Following his service, he continued working in military education as a civilian, taking on positions including director of the Lifelong Learning program for the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was “responsible for the policy, guidance, and funding of academic and transition programs for more than 186,000 Marines and their families worldwide.”

Pacific Oaks President Jack Paudin said the school was honored to have him join the board.

“We hold Mr. Taylor in high regard as someone deeply involved in military and veteran education but also as an individual of great character and authenticity,” he said.

“Mr. Taylor’s ethos aligns with Pacific Oaks’ values of respect, social justice, diversity, and inclusion,” according to Paudin. “His perspective as an African-American veteran, military educator, and higher education administrator will be essential in amplifying and addressing the needs of our community, particularly individuals with a military background and students of color.”