Wave Staff Report
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees has appointed Alberto J. Roman as the interim chancellor of the district, replacing Francisco C. Rodriguez, who is retiring.
Roman is the current president of East Los Angeles College.
The board took action at its Nov. 6 meeting, with Roman expected to assume his new position the following day. He will serve as interim chancellor for up to a year as the district searches for its next chancellor.
“I have dedicated my career to public education, driven by a commitment to transforming communities and advancing social mobility through equitable educational access,” Roman said. “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.”
Rodriguez had served as chancellor of the district for more than 10 years before recently announcing his plans to retire.
“As I embark on my next chapter, I pass the leadership mantle to Alberto J. Román, who shares my deep commitment to equity and opening doors of opportunity for students from all backgrounds,” he said. “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 Nichelle Henderson, president of the district’s Board of Trustees. “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.”
Román brings more than 24 years of education experience, ranging from classified employee and faculty positions to serving as director of human resources and assistant superintendent. Additionally, Román formerly served as vice president for Southwestern Community College in San Diego County and as vice chancellor of human resources for the LACCD.
He 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 UC Riverside.
He said he 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, Román is 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’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.”
Monte E. Perez will serve as the interim president at East Los Angeles College. With a decade of prior experience as president at Los Angeles Mission College, Perez brings an understanding of LACCD’s mission, a strong emphasis on student success and a collaborative working style.
Perez is from East Los Angeles and is a graduate of Garfield High School. He 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.
