A2MEND

Dr. Dyrell Foster is a student-centered leader, with a proven track record of advancing educational access, equity, student retention and success.  He is collaborative in his approach to implementing institutional practices, behaviors, and policies that provide a positive climate on campus and effectively addresses the diverse needs of students. 

As President of Las Positas College, Dr. Foster is committed to providing strong leadership with a high degree of integrity, passion, and commitment to fully serving our students in a growing and supportive community. Dr. Foster is passionate about cultivating effective partnerships and promoting innovative approaches to enhancing equitable student success outcomes for the students at Las Positas College and building the workforce and talent pipeline in the Tri-Valley region.

Previously, Dr. Foster served as the Vice President of Student Services at Moreno Valley College; Dean of Student Affairs at Rio Hondo College; Associate Dean of Counseling and Director of Student Life at Mt. San Antonio College; Director of Student Life at Evergreen Valley College; and Activities Coordinator at San Jose State University.  In addition, Dr. Foster has served as a part-time lecturer in the College of Education at both, California State University, Long Beach and California State University, Fullerton. 

Being the first in his family to attend college, Dr. Foster received his Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern California, his Master of Science in Counseling: Student Development in Higher Education from California State University, Long Beach, and his Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavioral Science from the University of California, Davis, where he served as co-captain of the UC Davis Aggies football team.  He and his wife, Tami, have two children, Maylea and Daylen.

Dr. Amanuel Gebru, President of Los Angeles City College, brings a unique perspective to higher education and a keen understanding of the needs of Los Angeles’ diverse population. Having navigated college as a first-generation student, Dr. Gebru’s personal experience mirrors that of many residents within the United States. He immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 8 and as a member of the international community, he is a visionary who sees excellence in education as a pathway to economic and social mobility.

His pioneering work in international education creates experiences for students and mentors to understand their role in the world. Committed to mentorship and knowledge-sharing, he has empowered countless individuals to reach their fullest potential. Dr. Gebru’s tireless advocacy for underrepresented student populations, particularly Black males, has left an indelible mark on the community college system.

Extending his dedication to equity beyond borders, he played an instrumental leadership role in acquiring 10.3 acres of land to build and develop a Racial Trauma, Wellness, and Healing Center in Ghana. He also serves on the committee for the All-African Diaspora Summit, furthering connections and collaboration on a global scale.

Dr. Gebru received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Communication and his Master’s of Science degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Student in Development in Higher Education from California State University, Long Beach and completed his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at the University of La Verne.

Dr. Jeremy Hart has been an educator for 20 years. He currently serves as a tenured Professor of Counseling at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA and as a lecturer in the College of Education at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Prior to working at the college level, Dr. Hart worked in secondary education as a high school/middle school counselor and a middle school teacher. He has also worked with youth in foster care and in California Youth Authority.

Dr. Hart is from Gardena, California and is the first in his family to graduate from college. He began his postsecondary education at Long Beach City College earning an associate degree in Child Development. He went on to earn both his bachelor’s degree in Human Services and master’s degree in School Counseling at California State University, Dominguez Hills.  Dr. Hart received his Ed.D. from the University of Southern California in Educational Psychology.

Dr. Hart has a passion for providing mentorship to Black males, at-risk youth and first generation students who feel as if their environment, and or background gives them little hope or guidance for a brighter future.