On May 20, 2025, the Peralta Community College District held its annual Lavender Graduation at the College of Alameda (COA). This commencement ceremony honors the accomplishments of our LGBTQIA+ students, recognizing their unique journeys and contributions to our campus community. The event, open to all, and filled with food, music, love, and a strong sense of community, recognized the perseverance and triumphs of the graduating class.
Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson is featured in a two-part episode of the EDUCATE. ELEVATE. podcast, exploring California’s new Black-Serving Institution (BSI) designation. This significant legislation, Senate Bill 1348, allows community colleges with a substantial Black student population (10% or 1,500 students) to seek BSI status. Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College are included among the California Community Colleges that meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the designation.
During her Flex Day address on January 16, 2025, Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson emphasized the importance of shared governance and community engagement as the Peralta Community College District navigates a challenging period in higher education. Her speech is posted on YouTube.
Welcome Back to the faculty members of the Peralta Community College District -- Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College -- who have been on break since the end of the Fall 2024 term in early December. We're glad you're back!
On November 6, 2024, Peralta Community College District Chancellor, Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, sent the following message to employees. We share it here for the broader Peralta Community.
Dear Peralta Community,
Welcome to the Fall 2024 Semester at the Peralta Colleges. I’m so glad you are here with us, whether you are a new or returning student, full or part-time faculty member, classified professional, or administrator. You are all part of our community, and you belong here! I’m inspired by the Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities I saw at the Welcome Week activities at Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College campuses last week.
The Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees held an efficient and productive meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. A recording of the full meeting is available on YouTube here (1 hour 20 min) while a video of the Chancellor's Report to the Board is available here (24 min).
Dear Peralta Colleagues,
Last week, I was thrilled to officially welcome Melanie Dixon to the Peralta Community College District family, as the new President of College of Alameda (COA). We held a Meet and Greet at COA on Tuesday, July 16th, where faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and students had the opportunity to eat some tasty snacks, meet President Dixon, and learn more about her as a person.
Dear Peralta District Community,
I’m excited to provide an update on the
leadership changes announced at the end of February.
On July 1, we welcomed
Greg Nelson as our new Chief Operating Officer and
Abdul Pridgen as our new Interim Executive Director of Public Safety. Both have hit the ground running, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. I appreciate the college presidents and their leadership teams facilitating our campus visits last week. Thank you to everyone who greeted us, helped with tours, and extended genuine goodwill. I’m incredibly proud of our colleges and the district service center, and it was a pleasure to share that pride with Greg and Abdul.
