Each month, Santa Rosa Junior College recognizes excellence on campus with an Employee of the Month Award.
Visit the Employee of the Month Nominations page to find out how to nominate someone you feel deserves this distinction.
Here is a list of past EOM recipients.
Previous recipient: Chloe Anthony - January 2026
February 2026 - Farrel Dobbins
Congratulations to Farrel Dobbins, our February 2026 Employee of the Month! Farrel serves as the Coordinator, Veterans Affairs in the Veterans Success Center, where she provides essential support to SRJC’s military-connected students and their families with professionalism, care, and integrity.
Farrel was born in Lindsay, California, and grew up in Sonoma, where she graduated from Sonoma Valley High School. She attended SRJC and Napa Valley College before earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the University of Colorado. Prior to joining SRJC in January 2019, Farrel built a strong background in student services, working at institutions including the University of Colorado, Columbus Technical College, Columbus State University, and Napa Valley College.
In her current role, Farrel manages enrollment reporting for students receiving VA education benefits and ensures compliance with complex federal and state regulations. She also coordinates campus and community services for military-connected students and oversees the Prop 63 MHSA grant collaborative with Nation’s Finest, the Sonoma County Veterans Service Office, and Legal Aid of Sonoma County. Her work helps ensure that students receive timely support as they navigate highly regulated benefit systems.
Farrel’s supervisor, Lauren Coburn, shared, “Farrel consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving students and the college community. What sets Farrel apart is not just what she does, but how she does it, with thoughtfulness, accountability, and an unwavering focus on student success.” Lauren also noted Farrel’s impact on the Veterans Success Center, adding that she has helped transform the space into a welcoming, calm environment where students feel supported throughout their busy days.
One of Farrel’s proudest accomplishments came during the early days of the COVID-19 shutdown, when she was the sole staff member in the Veterans Success Center. During that time, she successfully transitioned services to remote formats - changes that continue to shape how the center operates today. She is also proud of her ongoing leadership of the Prop 63 MHSA grant collaborative, now in its sixth year.
Farrel attributes her success to staying grounded in her values. “My goal is to have integrity and be accountable, even when it’s difficult, and to recognize and honor the unique lived experience of our military-connected students,” she shared. “I also try to leave room for laughter at work. I spend a lot of time here, so finding joy matters.”
Outside of work, Farrel enjoys reading, crocheting blankets, spending time outdoors hiking and walking, and gathering with her large extended family. She volunteers through her church, supporting children with special needs, and participates in honoring veterans by laying wreaths and flags at Sonoma’s veterans cemetery. Farrel and her husband, Greg, along with their two 18-year-olds, Jacob and Grady, returned to Sonoma County in 2017 to be closer to family after Greg’s retirement from the Army.
When asked about being named Employee of the Month, Farrel shared, “I was surprised and honored. There are so many people who deserve this recognition, and I’m grateful that anyone thought to nominate me.”
Congratulations again to Farrel Dobbins for her steady leadership, dedication, and meaningful contributions to the SRJC community.