Dr. James Lancaster named new LACCD Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development
DR. JAMES LANCASTER SET TO BECOME THE NEW VICE CHANCELLOR FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOR LACCD
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees appointed Dr. James Lancaster as the new LACCD Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development. Dr. Lancaster’s tenure begins on September 1.
“Dr. Lancaster has a proven track record as well as passionate energy to forge key industry relationships and partnerships so our students have the educational opportunities to succeed. His stellar leadership will solidify LACCD’s Workforce Development program as we continue to better understand and serve the job market and build stronger connections with local employers,” said Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez. “LACCD will be better positioned to meet regional workforce needs with his intentional engagement with multiple internal and external stakeholders.”
“The Board of Trustees has full confidence in Dr. Lancaster’s new appointment. He understands the connection the community colleges need with industry partners so that our students can achieve their career goals and academic pursuits,” said LACCD Board of Trustees President, David Vela. “In his other roles across the District, Dr. Lancaster has opened doors to many community educational opportunities for our students. Dr. Lancaster will provide the right leadership in workforce development for our students and our District.”
“My mission at LACCD has always been about student success and creating out-of-the-box programs for them to accomplish their goals in a changing market sector,” said Dr. Lancaster. “We have unlimited potential as the largest and most diverse college district in the nation, I look forward to shining a bright light to build our workforce development program on the biggest stage for the California Community College system.”
As a recognized and valued campus leader, Dr. Lancaster most recently served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Los Angeles City College. He also served as the Vice President of Instruction at Los Angeles Trade Technical College and the Dean of Curriculum, Career/Technical, and Continuing Education at Citrus College before coming to LACCD.
Early in his career he graduated with an Associate Science (AS) degree in Automotive Technology from Cerritos College and worked in the automotive industry as a Master Chevrolet Technician. He returned to Cerritos College as an adjunct faculty member and Advanced Transportation Center Coordinator before taking a full-time teaching position at Citrus College, where he held several faculty leadership roles, including president of the faculty association.
In addition to his AS degree from Cerritos, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Vocational Education from CSU, Long Beach, a Master’s degree in Industrial and Technical Studies from CSU, Los Angeles, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Community College Specialization from CSU, Fullerton (CSUF). He has also taught part-time in CSUF's Masters of Higher Education program.
Congratulations and welcome, Dr. Lancaster!
Members of the Board | David Vela, President | Nichelle Henderson, Vice President | Kelsey K. Iino, Ed.D., Second Vice President | Andra Hoffman | Sara Hernandez | Steven F. Veres | Gabriel Buelna, Ph.D. | Alexy Cordova, Student Trustee
