Dr. Alberto J. Román Recommended as Interim Chancellor for The Los Angeles Community College District
The long-time educator is currently the East LA College President and will succeed Dr. Francisco C. Rodriguez as Interim Chancellor
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — At its Wednesday, November 6, 2024, meeting, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees is recommending Dr. Alberto J. Román, current President at East Los Angeles College (ELAC), for a one-year appointment as the Interim Chancellor. If approved, Dr. Román will step into the role on November 7, 2024, following the planned retirement of LACCD’s current Chancellor, Dr. Francisco C. Rodriguez, who served in this capacity for more than 10 years.
"I have dedicated my career to public education, driven by a commitment to transforming communities and advancing social mobility through equitable educational access," said incoming Interim Chancellor Dr. Alberto J. Román. "I am excited to expand these efforts on behalf of LACCD’s diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. LACCD embodies the very best of Los Angeles, with its rich diversity and boundless potential. I am honored to take on this role and look forward to working collaboratively to ensure everyone has the support and resources needed to thrive within our campus communities."
"As I embark on my next chapter, I pass the leadership mantle to Dr. Alberto J. Román, who shares my deep commitment to equity and opening doors of opportunity for students from all backgrounds," said current LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D. "Dr. Román is a proven leader, widely respected for his collaborative and innovative approach. I am confident in his ability to drive our mission forward and foster success for every student seeking growth and advancement."
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Alberto J. Román as LACCD’s Interim Chancellor," said LACCD Board President Nichelle Henderson. "We are confident Dr. Román will continue championing the values of inclusion and opportunity, as he has done at ELAC and which define our District. I look forward to partnering on initiatives benefiting our entire LACCD community."
"Dr. Alberto J. Román’s appointment as Interim Chancellor marks the next chapter in LACCD’s story, and as a leader who has a unique understanding of the voice of our students, he will be instrumental in strengthening our District during this critical time," said LACCD Board Vice President Kelsey Iino. "The Board is looking forward to continuing efforts aimed at bolstering student success through resources and opportunities across all nine of LACCD’s campuses."
Dr. Alberto J. Román brings over 24 years of education experience, ranging from classified employee and faculty positions to serving as Director of Human Resources and Assistant Superintendent. Additionally, Dr. Román formerly served as Vice President for Southwestern Community College and as Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at LACCD.
Dr. Román is deeply committed to transforming communities and increasing social mobility through equitable educational access and student success. Identifying as an immigrant and a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Román is uniquely connected to the shared experiences of many in LACCD’s community. He believes colleges must unify at all levels to increase educational access and advance equity through rigorous academic programs and targeted student support services that meet the varying needs of students.
Dr. Román earned both his doctorate and master’s degrees in Public Administration from the University of La Verne. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside.
During this transition, Dr. Monte E. Perez will serve as the Interim President at East Los Angeles College. His contract will also be on the November 6, 2024, board agenda with a start date of November 7, 2024. With a decade of prior experience as President at Los Angeles Mission College, Dr. Perez brings an excellent understanding of LACCD’s mission, a strong emphasis on student success, and a collaborative working style. Dr. Perez is also from the Eastside and is a graduate of Garfield High School. Dr. Perez will work closely with faculty, staff, and students at ELAC, and will provide the leadership and continued momentum necessary to advance key student- and campus-focused initiatives at ELAC, and outreach to the community.
