Contact: Juliet V. Casey, jcasey@losmedaonos.edu, (925) 473-7322
Martinez, Calif. – Los Medanos College is pleased to announce five faculty members who achieved tenured this year.
Newly tenured faculty have passed a rigorous four-year probationary period as an assistant professor and are granted permanent, secure employment. To achieve this status, tenured faculty members must demonstrate excellence in teaching, research and service.
“LMC prides itself on the distinction and expertise of its faculty,” President Pamela Ralston said. “We are pleased to add these excellent educators to our academic community. The achievements and dedication of these five professors will serve to prepare our students for their future academic and career endeavors. Congratulations!”
LMC’s 2026 Newly Tenured Faculty
Jennifer Finnigan – American Sign Language
Jennifer Finnigan has taught American Sign Language for over 25 years and joined LMC in 2013.
As an ASL instructor, Finnigan brings expertise and the ability to build inclusive, engaging spaces where ideas flourish and people thrive. Her colleagues admire her patience, integrity, humility, and passion for the art of teaching.
In addition to her classroom work, Finnigan has led in the development and advancement
of American Sign Language classes in the college and broader community. She has worked
closely with LMC’s Early College Credit team to develop an ASL pathway for dual enrollment
students, culminating in a California Seal of Biliteracy. She is recognized as a state
leader in ASL and is excited to continue the development of ASL courses and alumni
at LMC and beyond.
In an interview with student news publication, The LMC Experience, Finnigan shared
that she was inspired to become a teacher after navigating a childhood surrounded
by friends and family wanting to better communicate with her. Finnigan in known for
her genuine warmth. Colleagues describe her as someone who “somehow knows everyone
on campus,” and who is fun and happy. Finnigan is approachable and collaborative and
has created an environment where students and colleagues feel supported, inspired,
and valued.
Nicholas Gale – Automotive Technology
Nicholas Gale has consistently demonstrated his committed to helping students succeed, from launching careers in automotive technology to using those skills as a steppingstone into a related field. He brings kindness, intelligence, and ingenuity to LMC’s Automotive Technology Program.
Though newly tenured, his has blended seamlessly into the close‑knit culture of commeraderie that has long defined LMC’s Auto program, bringing positive and enthusiastic energy to the classroom and labs, and in pursuing his own love of learning and growing professionally. Gale motivates students to push themselves and envision what is possible. Tenure simply confirms what colleagues and students already know: Gale is a go-to faculty member who always exceeds expectations, is a trusted educator, and an invaluable part of the LMC community.
Benaz (“Boe”) Mendewala – Physics
Benaz Mendewala has become a force for bringing together students with an interest in science and engineering. Her colleagues describe her as a dedicated and passionate educator whose students actively seek her support and speak highly of her teaching. Mendewala works hard to ensure students feel seen and supported. She is known for busy office hours and for adapting materials to meet students where they are, or guiding them through challenges.
Mendewala’s colleagues highlight her strong sense of community. She supports student organizations like STEEL, the college’s engineering club. She also plays a key role in programs like STEM In-Living Color, a K–12 outreach initiative focused on building community in Antioch. Mendewala has contributed to Honors and MESA initiatives, supported retreats, and stepped in to chaperone student experiences. She is an advocate for adjunct faculty, ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued.
Linda Riley – Registered Nursing
Linda Riley is a consummate professional who brings to the classroom her expertise and sense of commitment to nursing and teaching. Riley’s elevates students and colleagues and demonstrates great generosity through collaboration, and authenticity.
Riley has become a respected faculty member and trusted ally and role model. Her genuine leadership and integrity inspire those who work alongside her, and her influence on students is both meaningful and lasting. Through her dedication to teaching and to the future of nursing, Riley continues to shape lives and strengthen LMC as an institution where future nurses get their start and launch into successful careers or prepare for the next level of their educational journey. Riley’s tenure affirms the excellence of her work and the trust she has earned as an educator and colleague.
John Schall – Graphic Design
John Schall has been a part of the LMC family since 2009. He is the person behind many of LMC’s most iconic brand images and photos. While his LMC career began as a graphic designer for the Marketing Department, his teaching experience goes back to his work as a mentor to many of the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) art and graphic design interns over the years.
In 2015, Schall began taking that experience into the classroom as an adjunct instructor and then transitioned into a position as a full-time faculty member in graphic design, and has helped the program evolved. His course has been successful via online education. He remains on the cutting edge, navigating artificial intelligence, and integrating myriad technological advancements to continuously prepare graduates for future careers and academics.
Schall’s colleagues describe him as a design wizard and a pillar of the department.
His passion for design extends to professional client work, such as screen-printed
wine bottles and other innovative projects. Schall has a gift for making creativity
feel exciting and accessible. Schall’s students enter the workforce ready with an
understanding of the constantly evolving field.
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.