The White House announced on Dec. 7 that San Diego Community College District Chancellor Constance Carroll has received a nomination from President Barack Obama to serve on the National Council on the Humanities.

Carroll is one of three nominees from across the country to the 26-member council, which serves as an advisory panel to the National Endowment for the Humanities.

She said she still must go through the Senate confirmation process but is proud to have been picked as a nominee by Obama.

“He has a great love for the country, he is a great leader and I am proud to have been picked for this role,” Carroll said. “I am hoping the confirmation goes well.”

“This is a great Christmas present,” she added.

Obama issued a prepared statement about the three nominations.

“I am proud to have such distinguished and accomplished individuals join this administration and serve on the National Council on the Humanities,” the president said. “I look forward to working with them in the years and months to come.”

City College President Terrence Burgess congratulated Carroll on her nomination.

“We are amazingly proud of her, and we congratulate her,” Burgess said. “She is a nationally recognized humanities scholar, but to be named to the National Council on Humanities is one of the highest honors. She will do a fabulous job.”

Carroll said she is not allowed to comment on her role as a council member but added that she will continue serving as district chancellor.

“This is a service to the nation, not a job,” she added.

The humanities include the study of history, literature, languages, philosophy, religion and related disciplines.

“It’s a potential role that is close to what students learn in fields that particularly lead to understanding the human condition and how to improve it,” Carroll said. “Being involved in the humanities is very important.”