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, 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.
Katrina VanderWoude, President, Contra Costa
College
Dr. VanderWoude was appointed
President of Contra Costa College in 2018. She has leadership
experience in four-year and two-year institutions, including as
Vice President for Academic Affairs for Grossmont College, where
she served across six instructional divisions. Dr. VanderWoude
holds a doctorate in educational leadership and earned a dual
bachelor’s degree in psychology and social work.
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.
Click here to view the 2018 cohort of
the Wheelhouse Institute.
Click here to view the inaugural 2017
cohort of the Wheelhouse Institute.
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.
