Francisco C. Rodriguez will retire as chancellor of the L.A. Community College District inNovember. (photo courtesy of LACCD)

After a decade of leadership and close to four decades of service to California public higher education, the Los Angeles Community College District extended its gratitude to Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, who has announced his retirement, effective Nov. 2. Rodriguez is the second-longest serving chancellor in the district’s 55-year history.

Rodriguez is credited for raising the profile, stature and effectiveness of the nation’s largest community college district through strategic and long-range academic planning, fiscal stewardship, facilities and capital outlay and enrollment management. Prior to LACCD, Rodriguez served as superintendent/president at the MiraCosta Community College District in north San Diego County, president at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento and executive dean at Woodland Community College. He began his professional career in student affairs at UC Davis.

Rodriguez’s personal journey and lived experience as a first-generation college student from an immigrant family of factory workers have been a driving force behind his unwavering advocacy for educational opportunities for underserved populations.

“Our nation’s strength, economic health and prosperity, and promise of democracy depend on the inclusion and success of all its participants. So, to serve in the most egalitarian system of higher education is a true privilege,” Rodriguez said. “I am very proud of the work that we have accomplished together at LACCD to foster the success of very talented and inspiring students and to fulfill our community college mission of providing access, equity and educational opportunity. I am confident in this district’s promising future to continue fulfilling this noble and necessary purpose.”

“We appreciate Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez’s leadership and dedication,” LACCD Board President Nichelle Henderson said. “The board looks forward to expanding on efforts to strengthen student outcomes, especially for historically marginalized communities, providing hope and opportunity through high-quality degree and certificate programs.”

“I would like to thank Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez for his decade of dedicated service to the LACCD community,” LACCD Board Vice President Dr. Kelsey Iino said. “He has had a positive impact on the entire community college system and higher education, ensuring that community colleges, which he believes so fervently in, continue to be a great equalizer in society and an institution for opportunities. The chancellor’s retirement marks the conclusion of a significant chapter for LACCD, but thanks to his leadership, we are well-prepared to continue his mission of advocating for students and upholding the principles of equity and social justice. The future direction of the district is clear, and our commitment to serving our students and community remains unwavering. We support his decision to focus on his family and we wish him the very best as he embarks on the next chapter in his own life.”