January 15, 2026 LACCD – Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) announced yesterday that Dr. Monte E. Perez has been approved by the Board of Trustees to serve as President of East Los Angeles College (ELAC).
Dr. Perez brings a distinguished record of higher education leadership, having previously served as President of Los Angeles Mission College for a decade and, most recently, as Interim President of East Los Angeles College. His career reflects a deep commitment to student success, equity, institutional excellence, and community engagement.
“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,” said Dr. Alberto J. Román, Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District. “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. I am excited to continue working with him to support ELAC students and elevate the college’s impact.”
“I am deeply honored to be selected as President of East Los Angeles College,” said Dr. Monte E. Perez. “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.”
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we welcome Dr. Monte E. Perez as ELAC’s President,” said LACCD Board of Trustees President Sara Hernandez. “Dr. Perez has demonstrated steady, student-centered leadership and a deep understanding of ELAC’s mission. His vision aligns with the Board’s commitment to equity, access, and student success, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.”
Dr. Perez is a seasoned higher education leader with a strong record in strategic planning, accreditation, and community engagement. He previously served as President of Los Angeles Mission College, where he led a successful reaffirmation of accreditation, launched a President’s Community Advisory Committee, and secured more than $20 million in grant funding to advance student success initiatives.
He also served as President of Moreno Valley College within the Riverside Community College District, where he oversaw an institution serving approximately 10,000 students and managed a $28 million budget. During his tenure, he secured $10 million in funding for allied health programs and forged key partnerships with the University of California, Riverside Medical School, and Riverside Regional Medical Center.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Perez held senior leadership roles at Golden West College, where he guided accreditation efforts and implemented initiatives focused on supporting underprepared students. He also served on several education and leadership roles with national education and workforce organizations.
Dr. Perez holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Public Policy, Planning, and Administration from the University of Southern California, as well as a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles. He has also served extensively as faculty and doctoral committee chair, mentoring future leaders in higher education.