INTERIM PRESIDENT NAMED FOR MISSION COLLEGE

Chancellor Darroch "Rocky" Young today announced the selection of an interim president for Mission College.

Trustees of the Los Angeles Community College District unanimously approved the selection of Dr. Jose A. Leyba to lead the Sylmar campus while a nationwide search for a permanent president takes place.

Leyba has been employed by the Maricopa County (Arizona) Community College District since 2001, currently serving as provost of the district's Downtown Campus and Extended Programs. In that position, he is responsible for the development of a master plan for a new Maricopa Community College District campus/educational center in the downtown Phoenix area.

Leyba holds a Doctor of Education degree from Arizona State University. He previously served as acting vice chancellor, associate vice chancellor, and executive assistant -- all in the area of human resources – with the Maricopa district. Prior to that, Leyba served as superintendent of the Isaac School District (Phoenix) from 1995-2000.

Dr. Leyba will begin his new duties at Mission College on December 1. Leyba will replace Dr. Adriana D. Barrera, who recently was appointed senior vice chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District.

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