Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson shared this message with the Peralta community via PCCD Announcement:
Below is brief biographical information about each of the new Executive Vice Presidents of Student Learning & Success:
Dr. Lisa Wilkins
Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins has cultivated a distinguished career of service emphasizing access, equity, inclusion, belonging, and student success. With 25+ years of higher education leadership experience, she served in roles spanning faculty, counselor, department chair, dean, and executive-level administration at two- and four-year, public, and private institutions across the U.S.; most recently appointed as Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs at City College of San Francisco in 2020.
On multiple occasions, Dr. Cooper Wilkins served as a Peer Reviewer for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and as a Partnership Resource Team member for several CCCCO Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative visits. At present, she is President of the Umoja Community Education Foundation Board and is a member of the 3C2A Board. Her honors include the 2024 NASPA Scott Goodnight Award, the 2018 San Joaquin Pride Center Education Champion Award, and the 2017 NAACP Medgar Evers Freedom Fighter Award.
She is energized by this opportunity and the many ways she can help advance Peralta’s Strategic Plan as well as leverage these pivotal moments of change to support continued growth and success through innovation and collaboration.
Lisa Cook
Whether it’s in the role of tenured faculty, Dean or Vice President of Instruction, Lisa Cook has dedicated 27 years to improving student learning and success at our colleges. Anticipating opportunities and developing collaborative processes for teams to envision equity-driven change, Lisa has planned for and implemented clearer program pathways to transfer and employment, equitable placement and support in English and math, dual enrollment partnerships, zero textbook cost courses and degree pathways, and innovative apprenticeship programs. Her work has been recognized with five awards at Peralta and with invitations to present her successes at national conferences. She serves on statewide planning boards and committees and has been selected to participate in the 2026 UC Davis Wheelhouse Advancing Leaders Institute. As a second-generation community college educator, she holds a BA in Writing & Poetics and an MA in teaching English as a Second Language.
Dr. Nicole Porter
Dr. Nicole Porter brings more than 25 years of experience in education, grounded in a deep commitment to serving students, families, and communities. She currently serves as VP of Instruction at the College of Alameda, where she works in close partnership with faculty, staff, and campus leadership to strengthen academic programs, expand access, and support student success. She has also served as VP of Student Services and Equity and as an Instructional Dean, giving her a comprehensive understanding of both instruction and student services. She has led efforts to eliminate class cancellations, expand access to gateway courses, and create inclusive environments for all students. A former tenured faculty member and recipient of the Meyers Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Porter values shared governance, meaningful relationships, and the student experience. Her leadership is rooted in listening, collaboration, and ensuring that institutional decisions reflect the needs of the students the college serves.