Natchez — At its June meeting, board members for the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges elected Pat Dickens of Natchez as its vice-chair, effective immediately.

The term as vice-chair will run until June 30, 2011. The board, composed of 10 representatives from across the state, is a coordinating agency which establishes standards and guidelines for the operation of the state’s 15 community colleges.

“Mrs. Pat Dickens provides outstanding leadership for the state’s 15 community colleges,” executive director of the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, Dr. Eric Clark said. “She is very knowledgeable and passionate about the services our colleges provide. The system and state will benefit from her leadership position, and I look forward to working with her.”

Dickens was appointed in 2005 by Gov. Haley Barbour to fill an unexpired term She was reappointed by Barbour in 2007 to a term expiring in 2013.

Dickens represents the Fourth Congressional District.