Please welcome Laney’s two new Acting Deans: Laura Espino and Alfred (Al) Konuwa.

Laura will be covering the Humanities, Social Sciences and Applied Technology Division and Al will cover the Math and Sciences Division as well as act as our Accreditation Liaison Officer.

About Laura Espino:

Laura Espino joined Laney College two years ago as a part-time Instructor in the ESOL Department, taught at the Alameda Family Justice Center, and served as co-chair of the Bridge to Credit program and Remote Coaching Coordinator, supporting faculty in the transition to teaching online. During this time, she was also leading People and Culture for an international NGO. Prior to her time at Laney, she taught ESOL in community-based organizations, trained teachers, and has led several service learning and workforce development programs for nonprofits.

Laura remains a proud community college transfer, ESOL student, and UC Berkeley and University of San Francisco alum. Her education leadership philosophy is rooted in championing social justice and equity, understanding how trauma affects learning, and supporting students to succeed and thrive. Laura is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has made the Bay Area her home.

About Dr. Al Konuwa:

Dr. Konuwa is currently a retired community college administrator after spending more than 30 years as an economics instructor, business department chair, social science and business dean (at Butte College) and ten years as a vice president of Academic and Student Services. He also taught economics and African Studies at California State University in Chico. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California where he received a doctorate in public policy, and California State University – where he received master’s degrees in economics and public administration – and the University of Liberia where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics.

An exponent of civic engagement and community service, Dr. Konuwa has served on several boards including the Boys and Girls Club, Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship, He is originally from Monrovia, Liberia in West Africa. He is married and has three grown boys.