Dr. Alberto J. Román Appointed Chancellor to the Nation’s Largest Community College District
The Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees has officially appointed Dr. Alberto J. Román as the District’s Chancellor, following a formal vote at its Board meeting on May 7, 2025. Dr. Román, who has served as LACCD’s Interim Chancellor since November 2024, was selected following a comprehensive and rigorous search process.
As Chancellor, Dr. Román will spearhead one of the nation’s most diverse and expansive community college systems – serving more than 194,000 students annually across nine colleges – and will be instrumental in advancing the District’s mission to deliver accessible, high-quality education across Los Angeles County.
“As an immigrant and first-generation college graduate, I’ve experienced firsthand the power education has to transform lives, and I’m honored to champion accessible education through my appointment as Chancellor of LACCD,” said Dr. Alberto J. Román. “I carry the District’s mission to heart – ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to education and the opportunity to succeed. Our colleges are engines of opportunity, and I’m proud to continue leading this work forward.”
Dr. Román brings over 25 years of experience in education, having served in numerous capacities ranging from classified employee and faculty member to Director of Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent, Vice President at Southwestern College, and Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at LACCD.
“I offer my congratulations to Dr. Alberto J. Román on his permanent appointment as Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District,” said Senator Sasha Renée Pérez. “Dr. Román’s leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of the real world challenges our students face. For many students, community colleges are an accessible entry point to higher education and a gateway to a meaningful career. In my Senate District 25, East Los Angeles College has been a valuable community partner that was only strengthened under Dr. Román’s previous leadership, as College President. I know he is committed to creating an environment across LACCD where students will flourish and reach their personal goals.”
“During Dr. Román’s tenure as President of East Los Angeles College, I had the privilege of working closely with him and observing firsthand the exceptional strength of his leadership,” said Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor for the First District. “His unwavering commitment to both students and the surrounding communities was evident in every initiative he championed. I am excited to see him carry that same passion and vision forward as Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). Dr. Román’s leadership is poised to continue shaping a college system that not only uplifts and empowers but also reflects the rich diversity and resilience of Los Angeles County, fostering an environment where every student can thrive.”
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Alberto Roman on his appointment as the Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong. “Dr. Roman is a dedicated leader who has consistently demonstrated integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to student success. He brings a wealth of experience to this vital role, and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure LACCD remains a beacon of opportunity and equity for the students and communities of Los Angeles.”
"We are excited Dr. Román will serve as the next Chancellor. We believe he will do remarkable things to continue to build on the District’s mission of access, excellence, and student success,” said LACCD Board President Kelsey Iino. "The challenges we face in higher education made it imperative to work swiftly and decisively to hire a permanent chancellor for the District. The Board is confident that Dr. Román is the right leader for LACCD. Dr. Román has demonstrated visionary leadership, collaborative spirit, and an unwavering commitment to LACCD."
“LAUSD and LACCD have long been natural partners rooted in a shared commitment to equitable educational pathways,” said LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “With Dr. Román’s official appointment as Chancellor, we are better positioned than ever to work hand-in-hand to eliminate barriers and expand opportunities. Together, we will continue to strengthen dual enrollment programs that open doors to college pathways for our students.”
“I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Alberto Roman on dual enrollment during his tenure as President of East Los Angeles College and witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to equity and student success,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian. “He brings to his new role as Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District a deep understanding of the transformative power of education and a leadership style rooted in collaboration and purpose. I look forward to our continued partnership as we move with urgency to uplift students and strengthen communities across California.”
“Dr. Román leads with the belief that strong institutions are built through community engagement and shared purpose,” said Lizette Carbajal, Chair, Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges and Vice President of Community Relations and Communications for Telemundo 52 and NBC4. “His commitment to students and families aligns powerfully with the Foundation’s mission to expand access and opportunity.”
"Dr. Román’s appointment as Chancellor of LACCD is a pivotal moment for our city’s economic future,” said Maria Salinas, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “Dr. Román’s leadership will ensure that our community colleges continue to provide the skills and opportunities that are essential for the jobs of today and tomorrow. We are excited for our continued collaboration with Dr. Román.”
"Dr. Román's appointment represents a critical opportunity for Los Angeles to strengthen its workforce development efforts,” said Tracy Hernandez, Founding CEO of BizFed. “Under his leadership, LACCD will continue to be a cornerstone of our region’s economic prosperity, preparing to meet the demands of an evolving job market. and dynamic."
“On behalf of Mt. San Antonio College and CALCCTA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Alberto Román on his appointment as Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District,” said Dr. Martha Garcia, President/CEO of Mt. San Antonio College and President of the California Association of Latino Community College Trustees and Administrators (CALCCTA) Caucus. “Dr. Román’s inspiring journey—from his immigrant roots to leading the largest community college district in California—epitomizes the transformative power of education. His unwavering commitment to equity and his culturally responsive leadership will undoubtedly uplift and empower the diverse communities we serve.”
"UNITE-LA congratulates Dr. Román on his appointment as LACCD Chancellor,” said Alysia Bell, President of UNITE-LA. “As a valued member of our Board, we share his commitment to education as a cornerstone of equitable economic mobility and look forward to deepening our longstanding partnership to expand pathways for all students, particularly those with barriers, to high-mobility careers in growing sectors."
“As a steadfast advocate for equity and fairness, Dr. Román recognizes the vital contributions of LACCD faculty and staff,” said A. James McKeever PhD, President of AFT 1521 Faculty Guild. “As a champion for community college education, I know he will continue to fight for our students and communities."
Prior to his appointment as Interim Chancellor, Dr. Román served as President of East Los Angeles Colleges for 4 years. His leadership is deeply informed by his own journey as an immigrant and first-generation college graduate – experiences that closely reflect those of many students across the District. Dr. Román is passionately dedicated to transforming communities and advancing social mobility by championing equitable access to education and student success.
