Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland is a dedicated leader in higher education, committed to empowering students and transforming communities. As the Chancellor of the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD), he oversees one of California’s largest and most diverse community college districts, serving over 65,000 students and employing more than 4,500 staff members. His leadership is driven by a profound commitment to student success and community engagement.
With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Clift Breland’s journey is marked by a focus on creating opportunities and fostering growth. Before joining NOCCCD, he served as the first Black Chancellor in the more than 100 year history of the San Jose – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD), where he developed partnerships that provided meaningful educational and job training experiences for the diverse student populations of San Jose City College, Evergreen Valley College, the Community College Extension Center in Milpitas, and the Center for Economic Mobility in downtown San Jose.
As President of San Jose City College (SJCC), Dr. Clift Breland positioned the institution among the nation’s top in career education and workforce preparation. He was instrumental in launching the City of San José Promise, which offers up to two years of cost-free education, breaking down financial barriers for students. Under his leadership, both San Jose City and Evergreen Valley Colleges were recognized as top transfer institutions for Black and LatinX students.
Previously, Dr. Clift Breland served as associate vice president/provost at Long Beach City College’s Pacific Coast Campus; associate dean of student development at Santa Ana College; and assistant dean, director of judicial affairs at the University of California, Irvine, serving both the undergraduate and medical school campuses. In addition, he has held administrative positions at University of Southern California and University of Maryland at College Park. In each position, he has been a steadfast advocate for student development and success.
His dedication extends beyond administrative roles. Dr. Clift Breland has served on numerous boards, councils and commissions, including: National Advisory Board for the Steve Fund; being appointed to the inaugural CA community college Affordability, Food and Housing Taskforce; Community College Council on Mental Health; Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on International Education; and the African-American Male Education Network and Development (AMEND); the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. In 2020, Dr. Clift Breland was an appointed member of the Mayor’s Silicon Valley Recovery Roundtable. His involvement in these areas underscores his commitment to creating supportive, inclusive environments where all students can thrive.
In 2021, as the CA community college system worked vigorously to recover from the pandemic, Dr. Clift Breland was elected by his peers to serve as the chair of the board of directors for the Community College League of California (CCLC) and as the president of the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges Board. In these roles, he worked to transform the lives of diverse students and strengthen communities statewide through advocacy, leadership development, and policy advancement.
Dr. Clift Breland is the immediate past CEO Chair for the Orange County Community Colleges Legislative Task Force and the OC Regional Consortium: Workforce Development Alliance. His leadership continues to inspire and uplift those around him, driven by a belief in the transformative power of education.
Dr. Clift Breland holds a BS in Consumer Economics and an MS in Family Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as an MS in Education and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Clift Breland’s professional journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that passionate, student-centered leadership can have on individuals and communities alike. His commitment to fostering environments that support student success and community engagement continues to drive his work and dedication to service.