Barstow, CA – Now occupying the corner office in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) is the new Civic Center and College Events Manager - Ed Will. He was born John Edward Will, Jr. so his email address is:jwill@barstow.edu. But he goes by “Ed” or his most recent nick-name is the “PAC Man” which he also seems to like. His phone number at the college is 760-252-2411 ext. 7204.
Ed is a fourth generation native of San Bernardino who recently moved from the Morongo Basin to the City of Barstow. He has a Bachelor’s degree in music from San Diego State University and a Masters in Secondary Education and Musical Theater from California State University, San Bernardino. Early in his career he taught Elementary, Junior High and High School instrumental and vocal music.
Community service has always been an important part of Ed’s life. He has been the Executive Director for non-profit organizations: the Morongo Basin United Way, the Armed Forces YMCA, the Hi Desert Medical Center Foundation and the Morongo Basin Adult Health Services. Ed served on the Morongo Unified School District Trustees Board for 12 years. He was a member of the Joshua Tree Rotary Club, and served as club president twice, and was the Morongo Basin Rotary Assistant Governor for 2013-14. Now he is a member of the Rotary Club of Barstow.
Mr. Will’s history with community colleges started with his student experience at San Bernardino Valley “Junior” College, and then working as an adjunct professor since 1992 at Copper Mountain Community College (CMC). He has been teaching a live class of Rock n’ Roll on Monday evenings for CMC as well as two online sections. He is just finishing his 25th semester of teaching Rock n’ Roll (a subject that he dearly loves). Perhaps his most relevant experience to his current position was serving as the executive director of the Hi Desert Playhouse for almost 4 years.
Dr. DiThomas, Superintendent/President of Barstow Community College, has also expressed her delight with the talented duo. “I am really looking forward to Amanda’s portrayal of Dolly in our theater. We are quite fortunate to have Ed and Amanda joining our community, and we are very excited about Ed’s new role at our college.”
Community members interested in the performing arts are invited to a meet and greet “Koffee Klatch” at the college’s Performing Arts Center that will be held at 8:00 AM on February 16th. Coffee and donuts will be served, and residents will be able to tour the main PAC Theater and meet the new Civic Center and College Events Manager. For more information please visit the BCC website: www.barstow.edu
Ed is married to the lovely Amanda Will, who just won the part of Dolly Levi in the upcoming BCC production of Hello Dolly, that will be on the main stage at the PAC in April. Amy Ross, the Music and Theatre Arts Instructor at BCC, assured everyone that “Amanda landed the role of Dolly Levi based strictly on her audition and the talent she will bring to the stage. We are lucky to have her with us!”
