Hancock Superintendent/President Appointed to Santa Maria Fairpark Board
SEPTEMBER 24, 2024-- Allan Hancock College Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D., has been appointed to serve on the 37th District Agricultural Association Board of Directors, also known as the Santa Maria Fairpark Board.
The board oversees the Santa Maria Fairpark, which serves as the premier event center in the Santa Maria Valley. As a subdivision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the board is tasked with supporting the community by providing venues for education, recreation, entertainment, and by promoting agriculture, industry, commerce, and tourism.
“It’s an honor to be asked to join the Santa Maria Fairpark board,” Walthers said. “The 37th Agriculture District plays an important role in our community, and I look forward to being a part of it.”
Walthers has served as Hancock’s superintendent/president since 2013. His higher education leadership experience also includes serving as president of Las Positas College (2011–2013), vice chancellor for administration at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (2009–2011) and vice president for finance and administration at Utah State University–Eastern (2006–2010).
Active in the community, Walthers is a member of the Santa Maria and Solvang chambers of commerce, the California Nature Art Museum Board, Marian Regional Medical Center board, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley and the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary Club.
He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah, a Master of Education degree from East Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Texas at Austin.
“Dr. Kevin Walthers has been an integral part of the Santa Maria community for many years,” said Santa Maria Fairpark Board President Kevin Merrill. “His experience and knowledge of the area and our demographics are a welcome addition to our board.”
The 37th District Agricultural Association was established in 1891 and continues to serve as a hub for community events, including the annual Santa Barbara County Fair and the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival.
