Wave Staff and Wire Reports
MONTEREY PARK — Monte E. Perez has been named president of East Los Angeles College, a campus he has been leading on an interim basis for more than a year.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as president of East Los Angeles College,” Perez said in a statement. “Having served as interim president, I have seen firsthand the strength and resilience of the ELAC community. I am honored by the trust placed in me in leading the college forward by building on our accomplishments and creating even stronger pathways for student success. ELAC’s mission and the students it serves are at the heart of why I do this work.”
Perez was appointed interim president in November 2024 upon the departure of Alberto J. Román, who left to become interim chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District. Román was formally named LACCD chancellor last summer.
“East Los Angeles College is a cornerstone of opportunity for the communities it serves, and Dr. Perez is exceptionally well-positioned to lead the college into its next chapter as the next ELAC president,” Román said in a statement. “During his time as interim president, Dr. Perez provided steady leadership and helped advance key priorities that position ELAC for continued success.
“He is a proven leader with a strong record of advancing equity, strengthening academic pathways, and building meaningful partnerships,” Roman added. “I am excited to continue working with him to support ELAC students and elevate the college’s impact.”
Perez previously served as president of Los Angeles Mission College and of Moreno Valley College. He also held leadership roles at Golden West College.
“Dr. Perez has demonstrated steady, student-centered leadership and a deep understanding of ELAC’s mission,” said Sara Hernandez, president of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees. “His vision aligns with the board’s commitment to equity, access and student success, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.”
Perez holds a doctor of philosophy and a master of public policy, planning, and administration from USC, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Los Angeles. He also has served extensively as faculty and doctoral committee chair, mentoring future leaders in higher education.
