Dr. Ziza Delgado Noguera Earns 2024 Faculty of the Year Award
Associate Professor and Department Chair of Ethnic Studies, Dr. Ziza Delgado Noguera, has been named 2024 Fullerton College Faculty of the Year. She was recently honored at the 2024 Faculty of the Year Award celebration on April 18.
Honoring Dr. Delgado Noguera’s Origins
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Delgado Noguera’s experience as a community college student informs her current work as a professor. Having attended Glendale Community College (GCC), she always believed in the power of mentorship. She was inspired by her mentors, Richard Kamei and Gordon Alexander, for sparking her interest in history and passion to become an educator.
When reflecting on her unique career trajectory, Dr. Delgado Noguera looks back to where it all started with her undergraduate senior thesis project at University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). Her project, which centered around the creation of ethnic studies, led her to pursue graduate school.
Dr. Delgado Noguera also served as an educational consultant and encouraged K-12 educators to center equity and give a voice to students of color by embedding ethnic studies into their teaching. She has positively impacted communities by helping redefine ethnic studies as a way of viewing and changing the world rather than simply an academic discipline.
After her journey at GCC, she transferred to UC Berkeley, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in history, a master’s degree in ethnic studies and later, a doctorate degree in ethnic studies. She then returned to GCC as an adjunct instructor to give back to the community that helped inspire her.
Inspiring the Future of Ethnic Studies
Dr. Delgado Noguera’s goals for teaching is to help students thrive as critical readers of the world. In the classroom, she teaches topics that recognize decolonization, solidarity, self-determination and the Indigenous Seventh Generation Principle. She also implements racial literacy, which teaches students the language to articulate their own experiences and emotions. Much of her teaching is also informed by Robin D.G. Kelly’s concept of “freedom dreaming,” which invites people to visualize and dream the future they want to live in and then collectively strategize about how they can achieve it.
“I teach Ethnic Studies because it is rooted in a deep revolutionary love for the people and communities who have been dehumanized and disregarded throughout history and into the present day,” said Dr. Delgado Noguera. “I believe Generation Z (Gen Z), armed with knowledge, will be the generation who address the crises of our day and restore our collective humanity. I’m honored to be part of their journey.” Dr. Delgado’s ability to educate with love, optimism and hope continues to transform student lives.
“Dr. Delgado Noguera’s classes have transformed my growth and development as a young woman of color in leadership roles,” said Associated Students Student Trustee, Chloe Serrano. “Dr. Delgado Noguera’s strong understanding of viewing education as liberation has changed my life and many other students. She is a community activist, an educator and a wonderful person. She is my mentor and role model. I want to be her when I grow up.”
A Heart of Servitude
Dr. Delgado Noguera began her first-ever, full-time role as a tenure track faculty at Fullerton College in 2019. From the moment she interviewed for her position, she would never forget the campus’ warm and inclusive culture.
“The interview here was very different. It was mostly people of color. They were really excited about my teaching demo,” said Dr. Delgado Noguera. “I just felt really good. It was a very positive first experience.”
Dr. Delgado Noguera says her success at Fullerton College is rooted in the beloved community established between her department and colleagues. Their support has allowed her to follow her passions in teaching, serving formally incarcerated students and continuing to elevate the Rising Scholars program.
“Ziza is one of the kindest and brightest people I have ever met,” said Assistant Professor of ethnic, Asian American and women’s studies, Dr. Rosie Kar. “She has been an excellent chair, steering our department through chaotic times. She is empathetic, always ready to listen and offer her insights. I am so excited about her continuing work with the Rising Scholars entity on our campus. She is a gift to the universe, and it is an honor to be her colleague.”
Dr. Delgado Noguera’s role has also equipped her with the opportunity to go above and beyond for our hornet community.
“Working with my colleagues and department has allowed me to hone my skills as a professor,” said Dr. Delgado Noguera. “Winning this award is a culmination of years of going deep into what I want to teach, being supported to do that and building relationships with students. That is primary and why we are here.”
Fullerton College thanks Dr. Delgado Noguera for her service, mentorship and hard work.
The Faculty of the Year is selected by a committee comprised of members from Associated Students and Faculty Senate.
Dr. Delgado Noguera will be submitted as a North Orange County Community College District nominee for the Orange County Department of Education’s 2025 OC Teacher of the Year, a regional award that recognizes community college educators in Orange County whose efforts have inspired and enabled students to improve their lives.
