We are very sad learning about the news that Barbara Sawyer passed on June 15, 2025. She was a valued, active member of the DVC community and the Contra Costa Community College District. She was an avid supporter of students, generously helping them navigate the twisted pathways to a successful personal and professional life. She also dedicated her time and energy to ensuring fairness for her colleagues and the educational community.
Barbara Sawyer began teaching at DVC as a part-time instructor in 1984, after nearly 20 years as a high school teacher. She became a full-time English and journalism faculty member in 1986. A journalist by training, she served as advisor to The Inquirer for eight years. In 1993, she moved into the English department as a full-time English instructor. At DVC, Barbara served as Faculty Senate President, vice chairman of the English Division, Assessment Committee Chair of the English Division, representative to the Matriculation Committee, and Faculty Lecturer. In the Contra Costa Community College District, she was Faculty Senate’s Coordinating Council president and a member of the District Affirmative Action Committee. At the state level, Barbara served two years on the Executive Committee of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, where she chaired the Faculty Development and Curriculum Committees and for several years coordinated the ASCCC Curriculum Institute. In addition, she served on numerous Chancellor’s Office Task Forces related to curriculum, including information competency, certificates and course approval handbook revision. She received a teaching excellence award from The National Institute for Staff and Organization Development (NISOD).
In retirement, Barbara enjoyed many interests, including teaching part-time in the English Department. She also became active on the DVC Retirees Association Board and served as the DVCRA Newsletter Editor.
A memorial is planned for Barbara on September 21, 2025, in the Bay Area — and if you are interested in attending, please write to Irene Menegas (imenegas@comcast.net) for details.
Nancy Zink
DVCRA Liaison