Dr. Anthony Dr. Culpepper appointed President of Los Angeles Southwest College
Dr. Anthony Culpepper Announced as Southwest’s New President
LOS ANGELES – On August 2, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Anthony Culpepper as the next permanent President of Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) beginning August 16, 2023. Dr. Culpepper has served in the Interim President role since July 2022.
“Over his tenure as interim president, Dr. Culpepper has shown his deep commitment to investing in the success of not only his students but in the community’s success and well-being. His leadership has increased access to educational opportunities and future jobs for Southwest students,” said LACCD Board of Trustees President David Vela. “His passionate leadership is marked by ensuring student success through a decisive equity, diversity and inclusion lens.”
“Dr. Culpepper has proven that he has the passion, ingenuity and drive to lead Southwest College,” said Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez. “During his tenure as Interim President, he connected with diverse populations that have promoted access to educational opportunities for students and the college. He has navigated LASC through several key milestones and I know that he has what it takes to lead Southwest to the next level.”
“I believe that LASC is a doorway to social and economic mobility and that everyone should have access. As President I will continue my connection to the staff, faculty, students and the community,’ said Dr. Culpepper. “I look forward to supporting my campus colleague's passion for student success and continue to be awed by their tireless work. My job will continue to lift and highlight the special jewel that is LASC, and our willingness to change the social and economic mobility of all who engage with it.”
Before joining LACCD, Dr. Culpepper served as Executive Vice President of Glendale Community College (GCC). With over 32 years of executive and management experience, 24 of those years are in progressive academic roles in higher education. He has served in several instructional leadership positions and academic leadership roles such as Vice Provost of Faculty Affairs at Ashford University and as Dean with the Colleges of Business Administration and Information Systems at Trident University.
Dr. Culpepper has also served in administrative leadership jobs roles that include Interim and Acting President, Executive Vice President, Vice President, Chief Negotiation Officer, Vice President, and Chief Negotiator. He also served as President of Boards and has managed, coordinated, and implemented operating budgets exceeding $100 million and multiple building projects exceeding $325 million. He holds three finance and accounting certifications as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Certified Financial Manager.
Dr.Culpepper began his higher educational journey at LASC. From there he earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Long Beach City College, a Bachelor of Science from CSU Dominguez Hills, a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University, and a Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University, and a Juris Doctor from University of West Los Angeles School of Law.
Members of the Board
Members of the LACCD Board of Trustees | David Vela, President | Nichelle Henderson, Vice President | Kelsey K. Iino, Ed.D., Second Vice President | Gabriel Buelna, Ph.D. | Sara Hernandez, J.D. | Andra Hoffman | Steven F. Veres | Alexy Cordova, Student Trustee
