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Ernest H. Moreno

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) President Ernest H. Moreno has been named the new one-year interim president of L.A. Mission College (LAMC), located in Sylmar.  The announcement was made today at the bimonthly Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees meeting.

              “We are sending our most experienced president, the leader of one of our most successful colleges, to take the helm at L.A. Mission College,” said Chancellor Darroch “Rocky” Young.

               “Mr. Moreno’s guidance at East LA College has been so successful, we know he will diplomatically approach any problems, and we’ve committed to utilizing any and all district resources needed to set the college on the right track.” Young added. “Through Ernie’s leadership, ‘best practices’ have become the standard at ELAC. His knowledge and experience will help him assist LAMC to become re-energized and re-focused on its’ primary mission of educating students.”

              Moreno will replace Interim President Jose Leyba, whose appointment is up on June 30th.  Leyba, who is returning to his residence in Phoenix, will visit the campus two or three times a week through July to help Moreno through the transition.  In accordance with accreditation standards, an ELAC vice president will be appointed interim president there while Moreno is working full time at LAMC.

              Moreno will draw from ELAC’s staff to assist in efforts for Mission.  He and Leyba already met with LAMC vice presidents and staff on Monday to discuss the transition.

From student to President, Moreno has performed almost every conceivable job on a college campus.  He has been a student worker, classified staff employee, professor, administrator, vice-president and president.

              In the 12 years that Moreno has served as president of East Los Angeles College, the institution has grown to serve more than 30,000 students.  Transfer and graduation rates for Hispanic students now rank first in the state and second in the nation. In addition, Moreno has been instrumental in creating a successful financial foundation for the college.