Wheelhouse welcomes these community college leaders as members of
the third cohort of the Institute on Leadership:
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.
