2022 Wheelhouse Fellows
Wheelhouse welcomes these California community college CEOs as
members of the fifth cohort of the Institute on Leadership.
Trevor Albertson,
Superintendent/President, Lassen Community College
District
Dr. Trevor Albertson became the Superintendent/President of
Lassen Community College District in 2021. Previously, he served
in that position on an interim basis and also served as Dean of
Instruction. Prior to that, he served as Course Director and as
an Assistant Professor for the Department of Airpower (History),
Air Command and Staff College at the Air University in
Montgomery, Alabama. He earned a Doctorate in World Cultures and
History from UC Merced; a Master of Arts in International Affairs
from the Catholic University of America; and a Bachelor of Arts
from Norwich University.
Melanie Dixon, President,
American River College
Melanie Dixon became President of American River College in 2021.
Previously, she served as Associate Vice Chancellor of
Educational Services and Student Success at Los Rios Community
College District and as Dean of Student Services at Folsom Lake
College. She holds an Associates in Social Science from Portland
Community College; a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies
and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Portland
State University.
Tawny M. Dotson, President,
Yuba College
Dr. Tawny Dotson became President of Yuba College in 2020.
Previously, she served as Interim Vice President for Instruction
and as Vice President for Strategic Development at Clover Park
Technical College. Prior to that, she served as President for the
Public Information Commission of the State Board for Community
and Technical Colleges in Washington State. She continues to
serve as Lieutenant Colonel in the California Air National Guard.
She earned a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Community
College Leadership from Oregon State University; a Master of Arts
in Strategic Communications from the University of Missouri; and
a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Washington State
University.
Angélica Garcia, President,
Berkeley City College
Dr. Angélica Garcia assumed the role of President of Berkeley
City College in 2020. Previously, she served as Vice President of
Student Services and Dean of Counseling, Advising, &
Matriculation at Skyline College. Prior to that she served as
Assistant Dean for Student Success at Lewis & Clark College and
as Director of Student Academic Support Services (High Potential
Program, Academic Advising, and Tutoring) at Saint Mary’s College
of California. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership
and Equity from San Francisco State University; a Master of
Science in Social Work Administration from San Diego State
University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal and Civic Studies
from Saint Mary’s College of California.
Monica Green, President,
Norco College
Dr. Monica Green began serving as President of Norco College in
2020, where she had also served as Interim President. Prior
to that, she served as Vice President of Planning and Development
at Riverside City College; Vice President and Dean of Student
Services at Norco College; and Interim Associate Vice Chancellor
of Student Services for the Riverside Community College District.
She earned a Doctorate in Education from Pepperdine University; a
Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from CSU San
Bernardino; and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Social
Relations from UC Riverside.
Kevin Horan, President,
Crafton Hills College
Dr. Kevin Horan became President of Crafton Hills College in
2019. Previously, Dr. Horan served as the Vice President of
Instruction and Student Services at Los Medanos College and as
the Executive Dean of the Diablo Valley College San Ramon Campus
in the Contra Costa Community College District. He also served in
leadership positions at CSU East Bay, Samuel Merritt University
and Holy Names University. He holds a Doctorate in Education
Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California; a Master of
Science in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois
University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Government & Dramatic Arts
from Saint Mary’s College of California.
James Limbaugh, President,
West Los Angeles College
Dr. James Limbaugh began serving as President of West Los Angeles
College in 2016. Previously, Dr. Limbaugh served as Interim
President of Oxnard College and as Chancellor of Montana State
University-Northern. Prior to that, he served as Vice President
for Strategy, Planning, and Policy; interim Vice President of
Student Services; and Vice President of Academic Affairs at
Angelo State University. He holds a Doctorate in Educational
Leadership from the University of Maryland; a Master’s in
Counseling from Texas A&M University; Bachelor’s degrees in
Business and English from Texas A&M University, and a
Bachelor’s degree in History from Frostburg State University in
Maryland.
Claudia Lourido-Habib,
President, Porterville College
Dr. Claudia Lourido-Habib became President of Porterville College
in 2019. Previously, Dr. Habib served as Dean of Career and
Technical Education at Reedley College; Dean of Instruction of
Fine Performing Arts, Communication and Journalism at Fresno City
College; Vice President of Student Services at Reedley College;
and Vice President of Instruction at Madera and Oakhurst
Community College Centers. Prior to that, she taught for 10
years as a Tenured Faculty at Fresno City College. She holds a
Doctorate in Education and Leadership from CSU Fresno; a Master’s
in Instructional Technology from National University, and a
Bachelor’s in Interior Design from CSU Fresno.
Raúl Rodríguez, Interim
Chancellor, San Jose Evergreen Community College
District
Dr. Raúl Rodríguez became Interim Chancellor of San Jose
Evergreen Community College District in 2022. Previously, Dr.
Rodríguez served as Interim Superintendent/President of Hartnell
College and Interim President at East Los Angeles College. Prior
to that, he served as Chancellor of Rancho Santiago Community
College District; Superintendent/President of San Joaquin Delta
College in Stockton; President of Los Medanos College; Interim
President and Vice President of Instruction at San Jose City
College; and Dean of Instruction at Cabrillo College. He earned a
Doctorate in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz; a Master’s Degree in
School and Applied Psychology from Fairfield University, and a
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Bowling Green State
University.
Lynn Ceresino Neault,
Chancellor, Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College
District
Dr. Lynn Ceresino Neault assumed the role of Chancellor of
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District in 2020.
Previously, she served as Vice Chancellor of Student Services for
the San Diego Community College District. Prior to that she
served as Interim President of San Diego City College and, for
the district, as an administrative analyst in Institutional
Research, and served as Director, Associate Director and
Coordinator of Student Services. She holds a Doctorate in
Education, a Master’s in Public Administration, and a Bachelor’s
in Political Science from San Diego State University.
Valentina Purtell, President,
North Orange Continuing Education
Valentina Purtell began serving as President of North Orange
Continuing Education (NOCE) in 2015. Previously, she served as
Interim Provost of NOCE. Prior to that, she served as Dean of
Instruction and Student Services at NOCE’s Cypress Center;
Program Manager for English as a Second Language at NOCE; and as
an instructor at several institutions, including Hope
International University, Chapman University, and Rivne State
Humanitarian University. She earned a Master’s in Applied
Linguistics and a Bachelor’s in Applied Linguistics from the
Rivne State Humanitarian University in the Ukraine.
Angel Reyna, President,
Madera College
Dr. Angel Reyna became President of Madera College in 2019.
Previously, he served as Vice President of Instruction at Renton
Technical College. Prior to that, he served as Dean of Workforce
Education at Walla Walla Community College; Director of Workforce
Education at Yakima Valley Community College; and as mayor and
city council member of Mabton, Washington. He holds a Doctorate
in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University and a
Master’s in Education Administration and Bachelor’s in Education,
both from Washington State University.
Mark Sanchez,
Superintendent/President, Southwestern College
Dr. Mark Sanchez assumed the role of Superintendent/President of
Southwestern College in 2021. Previously, he served as Assistant
Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services and College
Centers at Cuesta College. Prior to that, he served as Dean of
Student Affairs and Student Success at Hartnell College; Dean of
Counseling at Fresno City College; and as Director of Student
Support Services Programs at Evergreen Valley College. He earned
a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master of Arts in
Education Administration from CSU Fresno; a Bachelor of Arts in
Sociology from Point Loma Nazarene University; and an Associate
Degree in General Studies from Southwestern College.
Ricky Shabazz, President, San
Diego City College
Dr. Ricky Shabazz began serving as President of San Diego City
College in 2017. Previously, he served as Vice President of
Student Services at San Bernardino Valley College. Prior to that,
he served as Dean of Students and Director of Outreach and
Relations with Schools at El Camino College Compton Center;
Associate Director of Admissions at Harvey Mudd College; MESA
Program Director and Assistant Director of Undergraduate
Admissions; and as Assistant Director of Admissions at UC Davis.
He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a Master of
Education in Educational Administration, both from CSU San
Bernardino; and a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies
from the UC Davis.
Julius Sokenu, President,
Moorpark College
Dr. Julius Sokenu became President of Moorpark College in 2021.
Previously, he served Moorpark College in the roles of Interim
President; Acting President; Vice President of Academic Affairs;
and Dean of Student Learning, Academic Division. Prior to that,
he taught and served as Chair of the English Department at
Quinebaug Valley Community College and as Adjunct Faculty at
Rhode Island College. He earned a Doctorate in Education from
Boston University; a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from
Arizona State University; a Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration; and a Bachelor of Arts in English Creative
Writing, both from the University of Southern California.
Angelica Suarez, President,
Orange Coast College
Dr. Angelica Suarez became President of Orange Coast College in
2019. Previously, she served as Vice President for Student
Affairs for the Southwestern Community College District. Prior to
that, she served Southwestern College as Acting
Superintendent/President; Acting Vice President for Academic
Affairs; Academic Dean for the Higher Education Centers in Otay
Mesa and San Ysidro; and as Academic Dean at Wilbert Wright
Community College. She holds a Doctorate in Educational
Leadership and Policy from Loyola University Chicago; a Master’s
in Counseling Psychology; a Bachelor’s in Psychology, both from
CSU Long Beach; and an Associate Degree from East Los Angeles
College.
2020-2021 Wheelhouse Fellows
Wheelhouse welcomes these community college leaders as members of
the fourth cohort of the Institute on Leadership
Gregory Anderson, President,
Riverside City College
Dr. Anderson became President of Riverside City College in
January 2019. Previously, he served as President of Saddleback
College and Interim Vice President of Instruction at Mt. San
Antonio College. He has also served as strategic advisor, vice
president, dean, director and faculty. He earned a Doctorate
in higher education administration from the University of
Southern California (USC); a Master of Arts in teaching English
as a second language from the School for International Training,
and a Bachelor of Science in speech communication and English
(linguistics) from the University of Wisconsin.
Byron Breland, Chancellor,
San Jose Evergreen Community College District
Dr. Breland became Chancellor of the San Jose Evergreen Community
College District in November 2018. Previously, he served in that
role in an interim capacity. He has served in numerous
instructional and administrative positions in K-12 and higher
education, including as President of San Jose City College, where
he worked to develop beneficial partnerships in Silicon Valley.
Dr. Breland earned a Doctorate in counseling psychology from USC;
a Master of Science in education and family studies; and a
Bachelor of Science in consumer economics from the University of
Maryland.
Jerry Buckley, President,
Reedley College
Dr. Buckley became the President of Reedley College in June 2019.
His 30 years in higher education include serving as Vice
President of Instruction for the San Diego Community College
District, as Senior Dean of planning, research & institutional
effectiveness for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College
District; and as Professor of medical instrumentation. He also
served as Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Academic
Affairs. He earned a Doctorate in education from San Diego State
University; a Master of Arts in biology from CSU Fullerton; and a
Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from USC.
Kristin Clark, Chancellor,
West Hills Community College District
Dr. Clark became the Chancellor of West Hills Community College
District in July 2021. Previously, she served as
President of West Hills College Lemoore. Prior to
that, as Vice President of Student Services, Director
of Admissions, Records and Enrollment Technology, and Dean of
Enrollment Services for Orange Coast College, and as the
Registrar for National University in North Hills. She holds a
Doctorate in higher education management from the University of
Pennsylvania; a Master’s in educational technology from
Pepperdine University; and a Bachelor of Science in Business and
Management from the University of Phoenix.
Dyrell Foster, President, Las
Positas College
Dr. Dyrell Foster became the President of Las Positas College in
February 2020. Previously, he served as Vice President of Student
Services at Moreno Valley College, where he led the development
of the college’s strategic initiatives, educational partnerships,
community engagement, and innovative instructional and student
support programs. He also served as an administrator at Rio Hondo
College, Mt. San Antonio College, Evergreen Valley College, and
San Jose State University. He earned a Doctorate in higher
education administration from USC; a Master of Science in
counseling and student development in higher education from CSU
Long Beach; and a Bachelor of Science in applied behavioral
science from UC Davis.
Mary Gallagher, President,
Los Angeles City College
Dr. Gallagher became the President of Los Angeles City College in
2018. Previously, she served as Vice President of Administrative
Services and as an acting President for the college. She planned
and implemented a $17 million project to completely overhaul and
upgrade campus technology, provided collaborative leadership in
the transformation of the college from individual instructional
departments to inclusive pathways, and initiated student
assistance programs. Dr. Gallagher earned a Doctorate in
education from Claremont Graduate University; an MBA from
Pepperdine; and a Bachelor’s in business administration from Cal
Poly Pomona.
Martha Garcia,
Superintendent/President, Imperial Valley College
Dr. Garcia became Superintendent/President of Imperial Valley
College and the first woman to lead the College in 2018.
Previously, she had served as acting Vice President of Student
Affairs and Interim Vice President of Instruction and was
responsible for developing and coordinating a $5.8 million grant
from the California Career Pathways Trust. Dr. Garcia earned a
Doctorate in educational leadership from San Diego State
University; a Master’s in educational counseling from National
University; a Bachelor’s in criminal justice administration from
San Diego State; and an Associate’s Degree from Imperial Valley
College.
Kim Hoffmans, President,
Ventura College
Dr. Hoffmans became the President of Ventura College in June
2019. She has served the Ventura County Community College
District for 25 years as a Nursing Faculty, Department Chair,
Dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs. She has served on
statewide boards for Instructional Officers, Athletics, and
Workforce & Economic Development among others. She earned a
Doctorate in educational leadership and administration from
California Lutheran University; a Master of Science in nursing
from Texas Woman’s University; and a Bachelor of Science in
registered nursing from The University of Texas at Austin.
Jamillah Moore, President,
Cañada College
Dr. Moore is the president of Cañada College in 2016. Previously,
she served as Vice Chancellor of the San Mateo County Community
College District, Chancellor of the Ventura County Community
College District (VCCCD), President of LA City College, Senior
Vice Chancellor for Governmental and External Relations for the
CCCCO, and Interim Superintendent/President of Compton Community
College. She earned a Doctorate in international and
multicultural education from USF; a Master’s in intercultural
communication and public policy; and a Bachelor of Arts in
communication from CSU Sacramento.
Art Pimentel, President,
Woodland Community College
Dr. Pimentel became the president of Woodland Community College
in 2019. Previously, he served as District Director of
Educational Services and Student Success and Campus Dean in the
West Sacramento Center of Sacramento City College. He has held
several elected and regional leadership positions, including
member of the Woodland City Council in 2004, Mayor of Woodland in
2008, and trustee of the Woodland Joint Unified School District
in 2014. Dr. Pimentel earned a Doctorate in education from UC
Davis; a Master of Arts in educational leadership; and a Bachelor
of Arts in social sciences from CSU Sacramento.
Greg Schulz,
Superintendent/President, Citrus College
Dr. Schulz became the superintendent/president of Citrust College
in June 2021. Previously, he was president of Fullerton
College, and served for a year as the college’s Interim
President. Prior to that, he served the North Orange County
Community College District as Provost and Dean of Instruction and
Student Services of the School of Continuing Education. He has
also served as Dean of Trades, Industrial and Career Technologies
at Long Beach City College. Dr. Schulz earned a Doctorate in
education from USC; a Master of Public Administration from CSU
Long Beach; and a Bachelor’s in accounting and business
administration from CSU Fullerton.
Regina Stanback-Stroud,
Former Chancellor, Peralta Community College
District
Dr. Stanback Stroud was Chancellor of the Peralta Community
College District from 2019 to 2020 and now serves as an
independent consultant. Previously, she served as President of
Skyline College from 2010 to 2019. She has served as the
President of the State Academic Senate for California Community
Colleges and on the Academic Senate Executive Committee for five
years. Dr. Stanback Stroud earned a Doctorate in education
leadership from Mills College; a Master’s in human relations from
Golden State University; and a Bachelor of Science in nursing
sciences from Howard University.
Kevin Trutna,
Superintendent/President, Feather River College
Dr. Trutna became the president of Feather River College in 2012.
Previously, he worked for 14 years at Yuba College as Vice
President of Academic & Student Services as well as Dean of Math,
Engineering, Science & Health Occupations. He has also served as
Honors Program Director; Director of Institutional Effectiveness,
Research, Planning & Grants; Interim Executive Dean of the
Clearlake Campus; and as Acting President of Yuba College. He
earned a Doctorate in adult and higher education from Montana
State University; a Master of Science in mathematics from Loyola
University of Chicago; and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
from Montana State University.
Daniel Walden,
Superintendent/President, Victor Valley College
Dr. Walden became the Superintendent/President of Victor Valley
College in 2018. Previously, he served as the Vice President of
Academic Affairs at Los Angeles City College and as a longtime
Dean and Dean of Academic Affairs at Los Angeles Southwest
College. Dr. Walden earned a Doctorate in higher education and
higher education administration and a Master of Arts in education
from Claremont Graduate University; a Bachelor’s in sociology
from CSU Long Beach; and an Associate of Arts degree from
Cerritos College.
Kevin Walthers,
Superintendent/President, Allan Hancock College
Dr. Walthers became the Superintendent/President of Allan Hancock
College in 2013. Previously, he served as President of Los
Positas College and in executive roles with the Utah State Board
of Regents and the College of Eastern Utah. He also held a joint
position with the West Virginia Community and Technical College
System and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
He earned a Doctorate in educational leadership and policy from
the University of Utah; a Master’s of educational administration
from Texas A&M University – Commerce; and a Bachelor of
Science from the University of Texas at Austin.
2019 Wheelhouse Fellows
Wheelhouse welcomed these community college leaders as members of
the third cohort of the Institute on Leadership in 2019.
Seher Awan, President, Los
Angeles Southwest
Dr. Awan began her tenure at Los Angeles Southwest College in
2018, when she became the youngest California Community College
President at age 32. In her more than 12 years of service to
several community colleges she has worked with some of the most
disadvantaged and underrepresented populations. Dr. Awan holds a
doctorate in organizational leadership, a master’s in business
administration, a master’s in public administration, and Bachelor
of Science in business administration.
Eva Bagg,
Superintendent/President, Barstow Community College
Dr. Bagg was appointed as the Superintendent/President of Barstow
Community College in 2017. She brought with her over 30 years of
experience working with several community colleges in California
as an educator, researcher, and administrator.
Superintendent/President Bagg holds a bachelor’s degree in
anthropology from Pomona College and became a Fulbright scholar
while earning her doctorate in anthropology from UC San Diego.
Santanu Bandyopadhyay,
President, Columbia College
Dr. Santanu Bandyopadhyay became the President of Columbia
College in July 2018. He has over 21 years of experience in
higher education including 13 years as a leader in community
colleges where he was involved in national initiatives such as
Achieving the Dream, Foundations of Excellence, and Survey of
Entering Student Engagement. Dr. Bandyopadhyay has a Ph.D. in
Higher Education from Ohio University, an MBA from Ohio
University, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Kolkata
University.
Stephanie R. Bulger, Vice
Chancellor, Instructional Services, San Diego Community College
District
Dr. Bulger is the Chief Instructional Officer of the San Diego
Community College District (SDCCD), which serves more than
100,000 students. Since 2015, Dr. Bulger has facilitated the
institution’s districtwide initiatives on curricular reform and
open educational resources, strategic planning and accreditation,
business/industry engagement and workforce development. She holds
a doctorate in higher education administration, master’s in
British and American literature, and bachelor’s in English.
Kathleen F. Burke,
Chancellor, South Orange County Community College
District
Dr. Burke became Chancellor of the South Orange County Community
College District in 2018. Previously, she served as Vice
President of Academic Affairs in several community colleges. Dr.
Burke earned a Doctorate of Education in institutional management
from Pepperdine; a Master of Arts in art from CSU Northridge; a
Bachelor of Arts in art history from the University of
California, Irvine; a Bachelor of Arts in studio art from UC
Irvine; and an Associate of Arts in humanities from Glendale
Community College.
Jeff DeFranco,
Superintendent/President, Lake Tahoe Community
College
President DeFranco became Lake Tahoe Community College’s fifth
Superintendent/President in 2017. His leadership experience spans
K-12, community college, and four-year institutions. He holds a
master’s in educational leadership and a bachelor’s in
psychology. and is pursuing a doctorate in global leadership and
change.
Erika Endrijonas,
Superintendent/President, Pasadena City College
Dr. Endrijonas was appointed the Superintendent/President of
Pasadena City College in January 2019. Previously, she served as
the President of Los Angeles Valley College and the Accreditation
Liaison Officer at Oxnard College. Dr. Endrijonas is currently
the co-chair of the national LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education
Board. She earned her doctorate and master’s in history from the
USC and her bachelor’s in history from CSU Northridge.
Greg Gillespie, Chancellor,
Ventura County Community College District
Dr. Gillespie was appointed Chancellor of the Ventura County
Community College District in 2017. Previously, he has served in
faculty, director, dean, vice president, and president positions
at four different community colleges in Arizona, California and
Washington, including as President of Ventura College. He
holds a master’s and doctorate in agronomy from North Dakota
State University and a bachelor’s in agronomy from Washington
State University.
Barry Gribbons, Deputy
Chancellor, College of the Canyons
Gribbons is Deputy Chancellor for the Santa Clarita Community
College District and of College of the Canyons, where he has
served for 19 years in capacities including Assistant
Superintendent, Vice President of Institutional Development,
Technology and Online Services. Dr. Gribbons has a
doctorate in educational psycology, master’s in educational
psychology and instructional technology, and a bachelor’s in
psychology.
Marlon Hall,
Superintendent/President, Lassen Community College
District
Dr. Hall is in his sixth year as Superintendent/President of
Lassen Community College. Dr. Hall began his career as a teacher
in K-12 schools and colleges. He has also served as a Vice
President of Student Services and recently served as the convener
of the President’s Round Table. He holds six degrees including a
Doctorate of Education in educational leadership and change and a
master’s in education, reading, and ESL.
Timothy Karas, President,
College of Alameda/Peralta Community College
District
Dr. Karas was appointed the College of Alameda’s President in
2017 after having served as vice president for three years. Dr.
Karas has previously held leadership positions in other two- and
four-year colleges, has a prior background in library sciences
and served as the Executive Board President of the Council of
Chief Librarians. He holds a Doctorate of Education in
higher education and administration, a master’s of library and
information science, and a bachelor’s in geography.
Ronald Kraft,
Superintendent/President, Napa Valley College
Dr. Kraft became the ninth Superintendent/President of Napa
Valley College in 2012. He has more than 25 years of experience
working in California community colleges and universities in
positions related to research, workforce development and
instruction. Dr. Kraft is an author and speaks to corporations,
universities and colleges about organizational change and
innovation strategies. He holds a doctorate in leadership, a
master’s in education, and a bachelor’s in business.
W. Cherry Li-Bugg, Vice
Chancellor for Educational Services and Technology, North Orange
County Community College District
Dr. Li-Bugg is Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and
Technology for the North Orange County Community College
District. Previously, Dr. Bugg served as the Dean of
Learning Resources and Educational Technology for Santa Rosa
Junior College, Director of Academic Computing for Santa Monica
College, and Dean of Information Technology and Services for Los
Medanos College. She holds a doctorate in education and human
resource studies and master’s in library and information science.
Sandra Mayo, Former Vice
Chancellor, Education and Planning, Yuba Community College
District
Dr. Mayo began her tenure in 2017 as the Vice Chancellor of
Education and Planning for the Yuba Community College District.
She is an experienced educator, administrator, and leader for
California community colleges and the K-12 schools, having
previously served as a Dean, Vice President, Director and
teacher. She currently serves as a Board Chair for the Girl
Scouts of San Gorgonio Council. Dr. Mayo earned a doctorate in
education, master’s in applied mathematics, and bachelor’s in
mathematics.
Tim McGrath, President,
Golden West College
President McGrath brings 20 years record of experience in
California Community College administration to his new role as
President of Golden West College. Previously, he served as Vice
President of Instruction at San Diego Mesa College where he
oversaw six schools and all college instructional programs. Dr.
McGrath holds a juris doctorate, a master’s in administration,
and a bachelor’s in law.
Jill Stearns,
Superintendent/President, Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo County
Community College District
Dr. Stearns was appointed the seventh Superintendent/ President
of Cuesta College in 2018. Previously, she served in multiple
administrative positions, including President of Modesto Junior
College. Under her leadership, Modesto JC regained its full
accreditation, launched a baccalaureate degree program, and was
selected to apply for the Aspen Prize. Dr. Stearns holds a
doctorate in education/community college leadership and a
master’s in instructional technology.
Whitney Yamamura, President,
Folsom Lake College
Whitney Yamamura was appointed President of Folsom Lake College
in 2017. In his 28 years in the Los Rios Community College
District he has served as an intern, part-time faculty, full-time
tenured faculty, dean, vice president and interim president.
President Yamamura has a master’s in economics, a bachelor’s in
business administration, and is working to complete his doctorate
in educational leadership.
Wheelhouse is grateful to the Institutional Effectiveness
Partnership Initiative (California Community College Chancellor’s
Office), the James Irvine Foundation, and the College Futures
Foundation for supporting the participation of these
distinguished Fellows in the 2019 Institute on
Leadership.
2018 Wheelhouse Fellows
Frank Chong,
Superintendent/President, Santa Rosa Junior College
Dr. Frank Chong has been Superintendent/President of Santa
Rosa Junior College (SRJC) since January, 2012. Prior to joining
Santa Rosa Junior College, Dr. Chong served as the Deputy
Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges at the United States
Department of Education in Washington, D.C. helping to shape
President Barack Obama’s community college agenda. From 2006 to
2009, he was President of Laney College in Oakland, and served as
President of Mission College in Santa Clara from 2003 to 2006.
Dr. Chong was Dean of Student Affairs at San Francisco City
College from 1993 to 2003. He served as Special Assistant to
Willie Brown, Speaker of the California Assembly, from 1987 to
1991. Chong has a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of
California, Berkeley in social welfare and Asian American
Studies, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from
Harvard University. He also completed the Educational Management
program at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, and earned his
doctorate (Ed.D) in educational administration leadership and
technology from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York.
Keith Curry, President/CEO,
Compton College
Dr. Keith Curry is the President/CEO of the Compton College and
Compton Community College District. Dr. Curry is an active member
of the Foundation for Compton Community College District, the
Association of California Community College Administrators, the
California Community College Athletic Association, the Statewide
Association of Community Colleges (SWACC), and the President’s
Roundtable. Dr. Curry has presented at numerous conferences,
workshops, and symposia. His areas of expertise include preparing
students for higher education; bridging the digital divide;
establishing partnerships among postsecondary institutions, and
ensuring access for all students. He is an adjunct faculty member
at California State University Fullerton College of Education.
Keith Curry earned his Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies from
the University of California at Santa Cruz and his doctorate in
Educational Leadership from the University of California at
Irvine.
Tammeil Gilkerson, President,
Laney College
Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson is currently the president of Laney College
in Oakland, California. Prior to her current role, she
served as vice president of academic and student affairs at
Contra Costa College and as the first Diversity, Inclusion and
Innovation Officer for the Contra Costa Community College
District. Tammeil has also served as the vice president of
academic affairs at San José City College and Dean of Counseling
and Matriculation at Evergreen Valley College. Tammeil
began her community college career as a faculty member in
psychology-counseling at Chabot College, serving as the
coordinator for the TRIO Student Support Services
program. In addition to her work in community colleges, she
served as the Academy and Education Policy Director at The
Greenlining Institute and in positions at UC Berkeley in the
Office of Student Life and the Early Academic Outreach
Program. Dr. Gilkerson holds a bachelor’s degree in history,
a master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis in marriage and
family therapy and pupil personnel services, and a doctorate in
educational leadership.
Michael Gutierrez, President,
Sacramento City College
Michael Gutierrez has served in a variety of roles in the Texas
system of higher education since 1992. Michael currently serves
as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student
Success at Eastfield College in the Dallas Community College
District. His responsibilities have included working as a Program
Coordinator for the Texas Council on Vocational Education, a
Research Specialist for the Texas Council on Workforce and
Economic Competitiveness, a Grants Manager for the Dallas
Community College District, Director of the South Irving Center,
Assistant to the President for College and Resource Development
at Palo Alto College in the San Antonio Community College
District, Dean of Education Center at Mountain View College,
faculty member in Government at Richland College, and Executive
Dean at Mountain View College. Michael earned a Bachelor’s degree
in History and Latin American Studies from Princeton University,
a Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at
Austin, and is completing a Doctorate from Cumberland University
in Higher Education.
John Hernandez, President,
Santiago Canyon College
Dr. John C. Hernandez started his appointment as the fifth
president of Santiago Canyon College in July 2017. Prior to the
appointment, he served for one year as interim president of
SCC. Dr. Hernandez started his tenure at SCC in 2005 as the
vice president for student services, where he was an advocate for
increasing opportunities for students and partnering with others
to provide a seamless delivery of support services. Prior to
his tenure at Santiago Canyon College, John served in the
following administrative roles: Associate Vice President & Dean
of Students at Cal Poly Pomona; Associate Dean for Student
Development at Santa Ana College; and Assistant Dean for Students
Affairs at California State University, Fullerton. Dr.
Hernandez holds an associate degree in arts from Fullerton
College; a B.A. in sociology from Cal State Fullerton; an M.S. in
counseling with an emphasis in student development in higher
education from Cal State Long Beach; and a Ph.D. in college
student personnel administration from the University of Maryland,
College Park.
Kindred Murillo,
Superintendent/President, Southwestern College
Dr. Kindred Murillo serves as the Superintendent/President of
Southwestern College, where she is leading a systemic culture
change focused on student completion, inclusion, and race
relations. Serving for five years as the Superintendent/President
of Lake Tahoe Community College, Kindred worked with the campus
and the local community to financially stabilize the college.
Before Tahoe, she served as the Vice Chancellor of Administrative
Services for Contra Costa Community College District. Kindred
also served as the Vice President of Administrative Services at
Pasadena Area Community College District. She was promoted to
Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services when Copper
Mountain Community College became a separate district and
underwent its first accreditation. Kindred was hired as an
adjunct faculty at Desert Community College District in 1996,
served as a full-time faculty member, and moved into college
administration in 2000. Kindred is a product of the community
college system, graduating from Barstow College with a liberal
arts degree. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration at Redlands University and earned a Master of
Science in Organization Development and a doctorate in
Organizational Leadership at Pepperdine University.
Daniel Peck, President,
Mission College
Daniel Peck started his position as president of Mission College
in 2014. His professional career started in the nonprofit and
educational sectors, including United Way. In 2005, Daniel’s
career took him to Mission College, in Santa Clara, California to
begin his responsibilities as the research analyst. Daniel
remained with Mission College until 2009, when he accepted an
administrative position overseeing Institutional Research at
Foothill College. Daniel was at Foothill for a brief period,
returning to Mission to head the newly created Office of
Research, Planning, and Institutional Effectiveness. In
2012, Daniel assumed the interim position of Vice President of
Instruction, where he oversaw preparations for the 2014
accreditation site visit, the hiring of nearly a dozen new
full-time faculty, and the ongoing development of curriculum and
degrees. Later, Daniel moved into his current position of Mission
College President with the goal of providing stability while
continuing forward momentum. Daniel pursued his education at
Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, where he graduated
with a double major Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English.
Daniel remained at Indiana to begin his career in education,
serving as an instructor for Sociology and Statistics, and
working many years in the Center for Survey Research while taking
an MA in Sociology along the way.
Diana Rodriquez, President,
San Bernardino College
Diana Z. Rodriguez is the 14th president of San Bernardino Valley
College. She is a native of Southern California and has over 25
years of higher education experience, with 11 years in senior
leadership positions. Diana served as Vice President of
Student Services and Vice President of Academic Services
throughout her professional journey. She has spent much of her
career as a tenured faculty member and counselor. She has led
major grant funding initiatives and the implementation of
campus-wide student diversity initiatives, which has generated
much positive attention for the colleges and districts of which
she has been a part. She earned an Associate’s Degree in
Liberal Arts from Palo Verde College, a Bachelor’s Degree in
Marketing, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and a
Master’s Degree in Education from CSU, San Bernardino.
Luis Sanchez, President,
Moorpark College
Luis Pablo Sanchez, JD, became president of Moorpark College on
February 23, 2015. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of
Academic Affairs for Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria,
California from 2011 to 2015. From 1991 to 2006, he was a
full-time professor of law and taxation at Sierra College, in
Rocklin, California, where he was twice recognized as Outstanding
Instructor by the student body, and then was dean of Business,
Technology, and Public Safety from 2006 to 2011. Before that, Mr.
Sanchez maintained a private commercial law practice and taught
law part-time at California State University, Sacramento. He
serves on the Board of Directors of the Ventura County United
Way, as well as the Board of Managers for the Conejo Valley
YMCA. Luis received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from
California State University, Sacramento in 1976, his Juris
Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific (McGeorge
School of Law) in 1983, and his Master’s degree in Business and
Tax law from McGeorge Law School in 1990.
JoAnna Schilling, President,
Cypress College
Dr. JoAnna Schilling, is delighted to serves as the
President of Cypress College. She previously held administrative
roles at Cerritos College as Vice President of Academic
Affairs/Assistant Superintendent, and at Rio Hondo College as
Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the Dean of Arts
and Cultural Programs, Continuing and Contract Education.
Schilling served as the co-chair on the statewide CCCCO
Curriculum Inventory project (COCI) and was elected to the
California Chief Instructional Officers (CIO) Executive Board
representing the Orange County/Los Angeles County region from
2013-2017. Prior to her experience in higher education, she was a
literary associate and educator for the professional conservatory
at South Coast Repertory Theatre. She is a published author.
Dr. Schilling has a doctorate in education from Oregon State
University, an MFA in Playwriting from Carnegie Mellon
University, and a BA in English from Smith College.
Stephen Schoonmaker,
Superintendent/President, College of the Siskiyous
Dr. Stephen Schoonmaker was selected as the 12th
Superintendent/President of College of the Siskiyous in 2017. He
spent his early career serving public four-year universities and
colleges in progressively responsible positions in Student
Services. In 1992, he moved from higher education to serve for
six years as the Human Rights and Social Services Analyst for the
city of Salem, Oregon. His returned to higher education in 1998,
starting his community college career in New Mexico; he quickly
moved from Student Services to Academic Affairs at the largest
community college in Oregon and rose to the level of Vice
President in Oregon. In 2011 Dr. Schoonmaker was selected to
serve as President of College of the Ouachitas. In 2016, he
formed Cross County Leadership Solutions LLC as a consulting firm
specializing in leadership coaching, strategic planning, systems
thinking, and change management. Stephen Schoonmaker earned a
Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of Vermont, his
Master’s degree in College Student Personnel Services from
Western Illinois University, and completed his Doctoral degree in
Educational Administration with an emphasis in Community College
Leadership in 2004 from New Mexico State University.
Keith Snow-Flamer,
Superintendent/President, College of the Redwoods
Dr. Keith Snow-Flamer was named President/Superintendent of
College of the Redwoods effective April 11, 2017. Over the course
of his higher education career he has served in positions as Vice
President, Executive Dean, Dean, and Director. He has gained
experience working at Colleges and Universities, including
College of the Redwoods, McHenry County College and Eastern
Washington University. His breadth of experience has provided him
with expertise in enrollment management, instruction, student
development and support services areas. As an educational leader,
he believes that it is critical to embrace diversity and remain
sensitive to the needs of all students. He supports the success
of those who may be differently abled or who experience social,
cultural and economic orientations and backgrounds different from
those experienced by faculty and staff with whom these students
interact. He firmly believes that diversity is strength—and that
multiculturalism is something to be celebrated, promoted, and
cherished. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Washington
University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from
Eastern Washington, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in
Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University.
Robin Steinback, President,
Moreno Valley College
Dr. Robin Steinback is the fourth president of Moreno Valley
College. Her professional career includes Vice Chancellor of
Educational Services in Riverside Community College District,
Vice President of Academic Affairs at Moreno Valley College,
Cuyamaca College and Solano Community College, dean of
instruction and tenured faculty at her alma mater, Mt. San
Jacinto College. Dr. Steinback has a reputation for
creating cross-institutional, collaborative, and innovative teams
that seek to transform their institutions, communities and
regional ecosystems. She is ever mindful that what we do
individually and collectively through our educational programs
and support services matter in the lives of our students,
employees, and the communities we serve. She is a product of
the community college system, having graduated from Mt. San
Jacinto College. She attended UC Riverside, earning an
undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in Sociology. She
received her Ph.D. from UCR in Sociology.
Brenda Thames, President,
West Hills College
Brenda Thames began her position at West Hills College Coalinga
in February, 2017. Prior to her current position, she served
in a broad spectrum of positions at Modesto Junior College,
American River College and at the Los Rios Community College
District Office. Thames was a 2016-2017 Fellow with the Aspen
Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence. In
2014, she completed the Harvard University Institute for
Educational Management. Thames earned a Bachelor of Arts degree
with a double major in Sociology and Social Welfare from
University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Arts degree in
Social Work from the University of Southern California, and a
Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from USC. She is
currently a doctoral candidate in Education with a concentration
in Community College Leadership at Oregon State University.
Chris Vitelli,
Superintendent/President, Merced College
Chris Vitelli is currently the Superintendent/President at Merced
College. He has more than 12 years experience in
management and administration, including senior
administration-level experience serving in various capacities,
including Chief Student Services Officer (CSSO), Chief
Instructional Officer (CIO), and Accreditation Liaison Officer
(ALO). Vitelli has also served as Dean of Instruction and
interim Vice President of Student Services at Columbia College in
Sonora, California. Other professional experiences include
Director of Student Services for the College of Agricultural and
Life Sciences at the University of Florida and Director of
Business, Industry, and Community Services at Merced College.
Vitelli has led efforts to make “students first” while at Merced
College. As a first-generation college graduate, he earned a
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication
at the University of Florida, a Master of Education in
Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard
University, and he is currently working toward a doctorate degree
at Arizona State University.
Matthew Wetstein,
Superintendent/President, Cabrillo College
Dr. Matt Wetstein was recently selected to serve as
Superintendent/President of Cabrillo College in Aptos, CA.
Prior to his appointment at Cabrillo, he served as the Assistant
Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction and Planning at San
Joaquin Delta College (Delta College) in Stockton, CA, from
2012-2017. His earlier administrative service included
service as an instructional division Dean and as Dean of
Planning, Research and Institutional Effectiveness at Delta
College. He started his academic career as a political science
professor. He has been a statewide leader in the planning
and research field, having served on the Board and as President
of the Research and Planning Group of California Community
Colleges. Dr. Wetstein was a member of the pioneering class
of Aspen Institute Presidential Fellows for Community College
Excellence, a group of 40 community college leaders selected for
training in leadership and transformational change at U.S.
community colleges. He is the author or
co-author of a number of articles and books. Dr.
Wetstein earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science from the
University of St. Francis (Joliet, IL) and a Master’s and
Doctoral degree in political science from Northern Illinois
University (DeKalb, IL).
Michael White, President,
Woodland Community College
Michael White is president of Woodland Community College.
Previously, Dr. White served four years as Reedley College’s vice
president of student services. He also served Reedley as interim
president in 2012 and 2013, and as a faculty member,
department chair, and coach from 1990 to 2009. Across his over
30-year career, Michael has instructional experience at the high
school, community college, and university levels and has
developed expertise in Hispanic Serving Institutions. He is a
graduate of the Society for College and University Planning
(SCUP) Institute. Dr. White received his Doctorate in
Educational Leadership from California State University, Fresno,
and earned a Master of Science degree in Physical Education with
distinction from the University of New Mexico. He earned a
Ryan secondary teaching credential and Bachelor of Arts in
Political Science from the University of California, Davis.
Henry Yong, Chancellor,
Yosemite Community College District
Henry Yong is Chancellor at Yosemite Community College District.
Mr. Yong has served over 30 years in academia, ranging from high
school vocational training, adult education, to community
colleges. Prior to this, he served as the President of Evergreen
Valley College in San Jose for six years. Before that, he served
as the Vice President of Instruction at Taft College for six
years. He also served as the Dean of Academic Programs at Victor
Valley for five years, and three years as the Associate Dean of
Occupational Education at West Hills College. Prior to the
community college, Mr. Yong served as an administrator for the
Regional Occupational Program (ROP) for seven years. Mr. Yong
received M.A. and Ed.S. Degrees in Educational Administration and
Leadership from Loma Linda University. He is working on his Ed.D.
at La Sierra University with a focus on barriers to academic
success for first semester economically disadvantaged students.
Wheelhouse is grateful to the Institutional Effectiveness
Partnership Initiative (California Community College Chancellor’s
Office), the James Irvine Foundation, the College Futures
Foundation, and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund for
supporting the participation of these distinguished Fellows
in the 2018 Institute on Leadership.
2017 Wheelhouse Fellows
Wheelhouse welcomed these community college leaders as members of
the Institute on Leadership’s inaugural cohort in 2017.
Juliana Barnes, President,
Cuyamaca College
Juliana Barnes began her tenure as Cuyamaca College President in
October 2015. She brings more than 25 years of experience in
higher education to this position, including over 15 years in
community college leadership and close to ten years at the
University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She holds a doctorate
in educational leadership with a community college specialization
and a master’s degree in education/ multicultural counseling,
both from San Diego State University, plus a bachelor’s degree in
sociology from UCSD.
Lori Bennett, President,
Clovis Community College
Dr. Lori A. Bennett was appointed to serve as the second
president of Clovis Community College in July 2016. As President
of Clovis Community College, Dr. Bennett is responsible for
leadership, budget oversight, and supervision of the newest
California community college, serving almost 10,000 students
annually. She is leading the college in developing an educational
master plan and strategic plan, expanding the Career Technical
Education program, and overseeing the $70 million new facilities
project.
Joi Lin Blake,
Superintendent/President, Palomar College
Dr. Joi Lin Blake has over 30 years of progressive administrative
and leadership experience in Instructional and Student Services
programs. She formerly served as President of College of
Alameda in the Peralta Community College District. Her
administrative and leadership positions have also included, Vice
President of Student Services at Skyline College, Dean of Student
Development and Matriculation at San Diego Mesa College, and
Policy Assistant for the U.S. Department of Education, in the
Offices of the Under Secretary, and Vocational and Adult
Education.
Edward Bush, President,
Cosumnes River College
Dr. Edward Bush is an innovative leader with over 21 years of
experience in higher education with 18 of those years in the
California Community College system. Dr. Bush has a history of
developing programs and services that foster both student access
and success as well as creating successful targeted programs for
historically underserved population. His professional career
includes Vice-President of Student Services, Dean of Student
Services, tenured associate faculty member in student
activities, and an adjunct professor for several graduate
programs.
Celia Esposito-Noy,
Superintendent/President, Solano Community College
Dr. Celia Esposito-Noy began her higher education career as
classified staff at Chabot College, supervising tutoring
services. Following graduate school, she served as a dean at a
liberal arts college before returning to work in the community
college system as adjunct faculty, director, associate vice
president, vice president, interim president and most recently as
Vice Chancellor, Educational Services at Chabot-Las Positas
Community College District. Much of her professional work
has focused on developing strategies and interventions for
successfully serving students enrolled in basic skills classes,
students suffering from trauma, and those with mental health
challenges.
Jose Fierro,
Superintendent/President, Cerritos College
Dr. Jose Fierro was appointed the President/Superintendent of the
Cerritos Community College District effective July 6, 2015.
Previously, he served as the Vice-President of Academic Affairs
and Chief Academic Officer at Laramie County Community College.
Laramie County Community College is a multi-campus institution
and the largest community college in the state of Wyoming. Prior
to joining Laramie County Community College, Dr. Fierro served as
an Academic Dean, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
and professor of biological sciences at Florida State College.
G.H. Javaheripour, President,
Yuba Community College
Dr. G.H. Javaheripour was appointed president of Yuba College in
February 2015. The College provides education and training for
approximate 9,500 students and a service area that covers three
counties. Dr. Javaheripour has guided reaffirmation of the
College’s Radiologic Technology, POST, and Fire Technologies
programs. He has stabilized the College by recruiting permanent
faculty, staff and administrators, developing a barrier-free
relationship based on shared and transparent shared-governance
principles, and encouraging an environment where risk taking and
innovation are encouraged.
Kathryn Jeffery,
Superintendent/President, Santa Monica College
Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery came to Santa Monica College after
serving nearly eight years as president of Sacramento City
College (SCC). Prior to serving as president of SCC, Dr. Jeffery
was President of Hennepin Technical College; Provost/Chief Campus
Administrator at the College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas;
Vice President of Columbia College in the Yosemite Community
College District; Dean for Faculty and Staff
Diversity/Development and Dean for Student Services at the
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
Dena Maloney,
Superintendent/President, El Camino College
Dr. Dena Maloney is the 6th Superintendent/President and first
woman chief executive officer of the El Camino Community College
District, which serves 25,000 students at its campus in Torrance,
CA and another 12,000 students at the El Camino College Compton
Education Center. In 2007, she was named founding dean of
the Canyon Country Campus, a new educational center within the
Santa Clarita Community College District. Maloney later became
assistant superintendent/vice president, with responsibilities
for the Canyon Country Campus and economic development. In May
2012, she became the superintendent/president of the West Kern
Community College District and Taft College.
Cheryl Marshall, Chancellor,
North Orange CCD
Dr. Cheryl Marshall is the Chancellor of North Orange County
Community College. She has long been an advocate for student
success and collaborative decision-making. She has more than 20
years experience in higher education, with roles ranging from
President, to Vice President of Instruction, to Director for the
Center of Excellence, to teaching and facilitating a variety of
business courses and seminars. She has dedicated much of her
professional time to partnering with fellow educators, community
members, and business colleagues to strengthen the alignment of
pathways from school to career.
Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, President,
Contra Costa College
Mojdeh Mehdizadeh began her tenure as President of Contra Costa
College in July of 2016, having formerly served as Interim
President since January, 2015. She has overseen the development
of the college’s five-year strategic plan, ensured the completion
and grand opening of the largest facilities bond-funded project
in the history of the District, and streamlined planning efforts.
She formerly served as Executive Vice Chancellor of
Education and Technology at the Contra Costa Community College
District and began her career at Diablo Valley College in the
area of student services and later institutional research.
Thuy Nguyen, President,
Foothill College
Thuy Thi Nguyen, J.D., serves as the seventh President of
Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California. She is believed
to be the first Vietnamese American college president in the
country. Prior to her arrival at Foothill, she served as interim
general counsel for the California Community College’s
Chancellor’s Office. As overseer of equal employment opportunity
plans for 72 community college districts and 113 colleges, she
led the move to an innovative funding approach that encourages
community colleges to assess and strengthen their efforts in
equal employment opportunity.
Omid Pourzanjani, Vice
President of Instruction, Golden West College
Dr. Omid Pourzanjani’s passion in life (besides his family)
is to help improve people’s lives through education. He spent the
first 25 years of his higher education career working one-on-one
with students in the classroom, and the past 10 years
working to improve educational systems, policies, and processes.
He spent one of those 10 years at the Chancellor’s Office helping
to build the Doing What Matters for Jobs and the Economy
framework. For the past four years, he has led academic affairs
and student services functions at Golden West College.
Kathleen Rose,
Superintendent/President, Gavilan College
Dr. Kathleen Rose has served the California Community College
system since 2002. For seven years prior to her appointment as
President of Gavilan College, she was its Executive Vice
President and Chief Instruction Officer. Prior to coming to
Gavilan, she was the Vice President of Instruction and Dean
of Fine Arts, Language Arts and Social Science at Hartnell
College in Salinas. Perviously, she served Associate Dean and
Campus Director at Chapman University, where she
administered undergraduate and graduate programs in Arizona and
California at military and community locations.
Linda Rose, President, Santa
Ana College
Dr. Linda Rose is president of Santa Ana College, where her
responsibilities include planning, organizing and implementing
educational policy and procedures to develop curriculum and
student support services; budget management; enhancing
partnerships with business, governmental and community
organizations, as well as with K-12 and higher education
institutions in the area; and leading the institution’s fund
development efforts. Dr. Rose also served as president of Los
Angeles Southwest College from 2014 to 2016.
Rowena Tomaneng, President,
Berkeley City College
Dr. Rowena Tomaneng’s leadership, teaching, service, and research
are guided by social justice frameworks. She has been a
multicultural educator for more than 20 years, creating bridges
between community colleges and community based organizations such
as Silicon Valley De-bug, Public Allies, and the Asian Pacific
American Leadership Institute. She previously served as the
Associate Vice President of Instruction at De Anza College,
overseeing student-centered offices and programs, including the
Office of Equity, Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action,
and Pathways programs such as Puente, Umoja, and IMPACT AAPI.
Rajen Vurdien,
Superintendent/President, Pasadena City College
Dr. Rajen Vurdien is the fifteenth Superintendent/President
of Pasadena City College. He formerly served as President
of Fullerton College, and Vice President for Instruction of
Saddleback College. In the 1980s, he worked for the United
Nations Development Program. He was positioned in China where he
taught English and ran the UN language programs. He has also
served as Director of Graduate Programs in Education, Professor
of Reading at Gwynedd Mercy College; Associate Professor and
Chair of Reading at Long Island University; Instructor of Reading
and Dean of Language Arts and Physical Education at Long
Beach City College.
Denise Whisenhunt, Interim
President, San Diego City College
Denise Whisenhunt, J.D., currently serves as the Interim
President at San Diego City College. Previously, she was the Vice
President of Student Services at City College. She holds a Juris
Doctor degree from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic
University of America.
Samia Yaqub,
Superintendent/President, Butte-Glenn CCD
Dr. Samia Yaqub is the seventh president of Butte College.
Previously, she served as the college’s interim
Superintendent/President. Her goals include reducing the
achievement gap between minority and non- minority students,
while increasing recruitment and improving retention. Previously,
she served Butte College as Vice President for Student Learning
and Economic Development and Dean of Language Arts and Humanities
and Dean of Instruction, Transfer and General Education.
Wei Zhou, President, Crafton
Hills College
A passionate community college educator, a creative entrepreneur
and an innovative leader, Dr. Wei Zhou is the eighth President of
Crafton Hills College, serving 18 cities and areas in Southern
California. He is dedicated to student learning and success,
equity and diversity, and staff and organizational development.
Prior to joining Crafton Hills, he served as Vice President of
Instruction and Interim President at Cuyamaca College, Vice
President for Academic Affairs at Copper Mountain College, Dean
of Math, Science and Engineering at Evergreen Valley College, and
in numerous teaching, research and administrative roles.
Wheelhouse is grateful to the Institutional Effectiveness
Partnership Initiative (California Community College Chancellor’s
Office), the James Irvine Foundation, the Hearst
Foundations, and the Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund for
supporting the participation of these distinguished Fellows
in the 2017 Institute on Leadership.