Office of the Chancellor

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Wolde-Ab Isaac
Chancellor, Riverside Community College District

Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D., serves as the Chancellor of the Riverside Community College District (RCCD), bringing over 50 years of distinguished experience in education and administration. His association with RCCD commenced in 2006 when he assumed the Dean of Health Science role at Moreno Valley College, one of the three colleges within RCCD. Dr. Isaac has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to advancing education, ascending to various leadership positions within the District over the years.

A dedicated scholar, Isaac embarked on his academic journey at Ethiopia's Haile Selassie University, majoring in chemistry. His pursuit of excellence took him to the University of Michigan, where he earned MSc and Ph.D. degrees in Medicinal Chemistry. Further enriching his expertise, he undertook post-doctoral studies at Uppsala University in Sweden.

In 2015, Isaac's leadership skills led to his appointment as the 11th president of Riverside City College. During his tenure, he prioritized student success and equity, solidifying RCCD's position as a higher education leader.

Beyond RCCD, Isaac served as president of the University of Asmara in Eritrea from 1993 to 2006 and held a prominent 12-year tenure as a senior clinical researcher with AstraZeneca. His diverse background contributes to his holistic approach to education, emphasizing collaboration and shared governance with district stakeholders.

As a Fulbright Scholar, Isaac's journey exemplifies the transformative power of education as a social and economic equalizer. His humility and dedication to RCCD's mission were evident in his acceptance of the chancellorship, where he pledges to continue elevating RCCD's status as a leader, championing student success and equity.

Residing in Riverside with his two sons, Simon and Yisak, graduates from the UC system, Wolde-Ab Isaac embodies the values of education, leadership, and a passion for science, inspiring not only the Riverside Community College District and the county of Riverside but also the academic community as a whole.