STOCKTON -- San Joaquin Delta College trustees have selected school administrator Van Ha To-Cowell to temporarily serve on the College’s governing board.

To-Cowell replaces former Trustee Carlos Huerta, who stepped down in January due to moving out of the area he represented.

The appointment will last only until the November election, when Huerta’s term was set to expire. To-Cowell represents Area 2, which encompasses much of central Stockton. She is the first Asian American woman to hold a position on the Board.

"I'm excited and proud to serve on the Board of Trustees," To-Cowell said. "My hope is that what I do today and in the future will help the Board with the decisions that will keep Delta College on the right path."

"I'm pleased to welcome Trustee To-Cowell to the Board of Trustees and look forward to working with her," said Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Omid Pourzanjani. "The Board serves a critical oversight role for the College and we're excited to partner toward the common goal of student success."

Four candidates applied for the open seat and three were interviewed at Tuesday evening's Board meeting. To-Cowell was then selected and sworn in by Board President Janet Rivera.

Under state law, the appointment is provisional. The public has 30 days from the date of the appointment to file a petition, containing a sufficient number of signatures, with the San Joaquin County superintendent of schools in order to require a special election. If no petition is filed, the appointment becomes effective.