March 27, 2011

Leadership Spots Opening Up for Gay and Lesbian Academics

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Jay Premack for The Chronicle

DeRionne P. Pollard, president of Montgomery College, has been open about being a lesbian her entire career. Her official bio includes her partner of over 20 years, Robyn A. Jones (second from right), and their 4-year-old son, Myles.

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Jay Premack for The Chronicle

DeRionne P. Pollard, president of Montgomery College, has been open about being a lesbian her entire career. Her official bio includes her partner of over 20 years, Robyn A. Jones (second from right), and their 4-year-old son, Myles.

By Kathryn Masterson

Professionally, DeRionne P. Pollard has always been open about her sexual orientation.

The 40-year-old president of Montgomery College says she doesn't walk around wearing a pink triangle to let people know she's a lesbian. But she tells people in other, subtle ways that she's in a same-sex relationship.

She wears a wedding ring. While president of Las Positas College in California, she said in an interview with a business journal that her proudest accomplishment was "loving