RCCD Chancellor Wolde-Ab Isaac Named Educator of the Year
01/31/2025
Wolde-Ab Isaac, Ph.D., chancellor of the Riverside Community College District, has long been a champion for educational equity and student success. He was honored as Educator of the Year by the Inland Empire Economic Partnership during the organization’s annual dinner on Jan. 9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Ontario Airport.
The award recognizes Isaac’s exceptional contributions to education, his forward-thinking leadership, and his commitment to expanding opportunities for students in the Inland Empire.
“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our RCCD community working tirelessly to transform lives through education,” Isaac said. “I am deeply honored to receive this award and remain committed to expanding opportunities, fostering equity, and driving meaningful progress for our district and the Inland Empire.”
Isaac was one of several honorees celebrated for their impact on the region. Other recipients included Kim Wilcox, chancellor of the University of California, Riverside; Kaiser Permanente, named Business of the Year; and Riverside County Supervisor Karen Spiegel, who received the Chairman’s Award.
Isaac’s achievements at RCCD include overseeing initiatives to enhance student success and equity, and securing $954 million in funding through Measure CC to improve the district’s facilities and resources. His leadership has cemented RCCD’s reputation as a cornerstone of higher education in the Inland Empire.
Isaac’s background is marked by both personal and professional resilience. Born in Eritrea as one of seven children, he rose from modest beginnings to become the first in his family to attend college. Isaac earned a doctorate in medicinal chemistry from the University of Michigan, conducted postdoctoral research in Sweden, and served as president of the University of Asmara in Eritrea before joining RCCD in 2006.
The Inland Empire Economic Partnership’s annual dinner honors individuals and organizations significantly contributing to Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Isaac’s selection highlights the vital role of education in the region’s progress and the impact of dedicated leaders.
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications