Thank you to all who joined us in-person or online for the Forums for the Executive Vice President Finalists. Below are the finalists for the three newly created positions of Executive Vice President of Student Learning & Success for the Peralta Community College District. The finalists are listed in the order of their Forums, which took place on Monday, May 18, and Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Each finalist listing includes their name, a brief bio, a link to their Forum video recording, and a link to the feedback form. Please submit your feedback by 5pm on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Peralta’s District Academic Senate (DAS) wrapped up the 2024-25 school year on May 20, 2025, with a special session in the district boardroom. The meeting saw DAS elect officers for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year — to be led by Laney's Leslie Blackie as president — and salute retiring 10+1 champion Joseph Bielanski
Laney College's Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department hosted an inspiring "Women Entrepreneurs in Technical Sectors" Panel Discussion, celebrating the resilience, innovation, and success of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. The event, facilitated by Yarina Cortel from the City of Oakland's Economic Development department, brought together a diverse panel of accomplished women who shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
Earlier today (March 18th), the Laney College community received an email from President Rudy Besikof announcing his transition from Laney College, effective Wednesday, March 19.
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.
Dear Peralta Community,
As I shared back in April, we’ve initiated a broader exploration into strategies and options that will support our long-term strategic vision for public safety. Given prominent concerns around safety and security in my districtwide listening sessions and the foundational leadership of the Holistic Safety and Wellness Committee, we are poised to articulate a transformative and holistic plan for safety and security that centers our District’s mission and vision, and the Board’s June 2021 Resolution Renewing Support for the Holistic Safety and Wellness of District Students.
Dear Peralta Community,
Thank you to all who participated in the selection process for the Peralta Community College District's next
Chief Operating Officer (CCO). I am pleased to share that I have selected
Greg Nelson as our next COO, pending the Board of Trustees' formal approval of his contract. His start date will be July 1, 2024.
Update June 13, 2024
Zoom recording links and Feedback Form links have been removed as the deadline for feedback has now passed.
Update June 10, 2024
Zoom recording links have been added.
Updated June 9, 2024
Dr. Stephen Schoonmaker has withdrawn from consideration. The forums will proceed on Monday, June 10th, following the revised schedule below.
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Dear Peralta Community,
I am pleased to announce that the Search Committee has identified finalists for consideration as our next Chief Operating Officer (COO). The finalists are listed in alphabetical order below along with their biographical information.
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OAKLAND, Calif., April 19, 2024 – The Peralta Community College District has opened a nationwide search to find ideal candidates to fill four leadership positions that will play a pivotal role in setting the future direction of the East Bay District.
