On Nov. 3, American River College president Melanie Dixon sent an email to faculty and staff announcing that she will leave her role as president at the end of the fall 2022 semester. 

An announcement with the same message was also sent to students.

“Just like for many others, the last few years have reinforced for me the central role that family plays in my life and I have decided to move back to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to my mother, daughter, and grandson,” Dixon said in the email. 

Dixon started her tenure in January 2021. 

She says her time as president has been fulfilling.

“From day one, this college community welcomed me with open arms and hearts,” Dixon said. “Together, we navigated extraordinary times and historic challenges, and the college has come out of those times stronger than ever.” 

Dixon says she is optimistic about ARC’s future, and that the process to name an interim president will begin shortly. The search for a new permanent president will likely begin in the spring.

According to Dixon, there will be time in the next few weeks to say goodbye and celebrate accomplishments. 

“Please know that I will forever be grateful for the love and support you have given me in my time at American River College,” Dixon said. “Your kindness, and the trust that you had in me as your president, will stay with me forever. I cannot wait to see the great things that lie ahead for American River College.”