The Community Colleges of Ventura County Announce Selection of Two New College Presidents
The Californer/10277084

CAMARILLO, Calif. - Californer -- Following a nationwide search and the approval of the VCCCD Board of Trustees, Chancellor Dr. Rick MacLennan is excited to announce the selection of Dr. Roberto Gonzalez for the position of President, Oxnard College and Dr. Claudia Lourido-Habib for President, Ventura College.

With expertise in both student services and academic affairs, Dr. Gonzalez is recognized as an inclusive, equity-minded leader prioritizing the student experience. Chancellor MacLennan remarks, "Dr. Gonzalez is celebrated as a student-focused leader," emphasizing his commitment to meeting diverse student needs. Dr. Gonzalez is also expected to officially begin his role on July 1, 2024.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected to lead Oxnard College," said Dr. Gonzalez. "I look forward to serving all the members of our community including students, faculty, classified professionals and administrators. I am eager to play a role in enhancing the outstanding academic programs, academic and student services and resources we provide to our students."

More on The Californer

• Glossa Launches Slack Integration to Capture Requirements Where Teams Work
• PowerTribe Releases New Heavy Metal Single "The Earthlings Have Died"
• California: Following LA fires, Governor Newsom extends key provision to fast‑track wildfire safety window, protecting more communities across the state
• Australian Soulstress NARDIA returns to the U.S. for her January 2026 Tour
• California advances Jobs First agenda, expands career pathways and worker protections statewide

With a commitment to enhancing students' social and economic mobility through higher education, Dr. Lourido-Habib epitomizes the core mission of community colleges, being herself a first-generation community college graduate. Chancellor MacLennan notes, "Dr. Lourido-Habib is highly recognized as a collaborative and visible leader," praising her community engagement and her fierce advocacy for celebrating and supporting all students. She is set to officially assume her role on July 8, 2024.

"I am excited about the opportunity to join the Ventura County Community College District," said Dr. Lourido-Habib. "I am eager to collaborate with the administrative team, faculty, classified professionals and community members to build upon Ventura College's legacy of excellence and to provide transformative educational opportunities to students."

The hiring process for these positions included a thorough national search conducted by ACCT Search Consultants. Candidates were interviewed by diverse screening committees comprised of students, community members, faculty, classified professionals and administrators. The campus community and public were invited to meet the finalists at open forums that were held on each college campus. Following these forums, each finalist was given a tour of the college and then interviewed by the Chancellor.

More on The Californer

• EDCAPIT Reports 2025 Results: From Zero to a Global AI-Powered EdTech Platform
• HIGHTITAN Trading Center Optimizes Server Architecture and Load Management
• Mystery Enterprises Completes Testing Phase for Four Fully Automated Murder Mystery Games
• Lacy Hendricks Earns Prestigious MPM® Designation from NARPM®
• Governor Newsom prepositions emergency resources in Southern California ahead of New Year's Storm

On behalf of the Community Colleges of Ventura County, Chancellor MacLennan and the Board of Trustees extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Oscar Cobian for his outstanding dedication and leadership during his tenure as Interim President of Oxnard College. Over the last two years, Dr. Cobian has led Oxnard College with poise and integrity. We are profoundly grateful for Dr. Cobian's service and thank him for his continued leadership.

For more information, visit vcccd.edu (http://www.vcccd.edu).