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Diablo Valley College is set to be under new leadership soon following a months-long search for a new president amid its current president’s pending retirement. Monica Chahal has been selected to take the reins at the conclusion of Susan Lamb’s eight-year tenure.
Chahal was one of two finalists selected in the search for Lamb’s replacement, ultimately making the final cut following two in-person forums showcasing the two top candidates on April 30 and beating out Sacramento City College cabinet member Davin Brown for the position.
“Dr. Chahal brings a remarkable breadth of experience to this role,” said CCCCD Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh in a press release from the district May 19. “Having served in a variety of positions, she has developed deep institutional knowledge and understanding of students’ needs. Her extensive instructional expertise and student-centered approach make her well-suited to lead DVC.”
Chahal is coming into the role following more than 30 years working in California’s community colleges, most recently as interim president of Clovis Community College over the past academic year, and having served in faculty, classified, and administrative roles at Yuba College and Woodland Community College prior to her time at Clovis.
“I am honored to join the amazing team of faculty, classified professionals, and managers at Diablo Valley College,” Chahal said in the district’s press release. “We share a commitment to ensuring student access and success, and I know that together we will continue to build upon DVC’s legacy and reputation of excellence and service to our students and community. I am excited to begin my work with the DVC family and its surrounding communities.”
Brown, the other top contender for the position, currently serves as Vice President of Student Services at Sacramento City College, having also worked in administrative roles at Folsom Lake College, Sacramento State University, and as a faculty member at Drexel University, Sacramento State University, and Concordia University. She was recognized in the Sacramento Bee’s Top 20 Black Changemakers for the current year in February.
Chahal is succeeding former DVC president Susan Lamb, who came into the role in 2018 and announced earlier this year that she would be retiring at the end of the current semester.
Diablo Valley College serves a total of 5,251 students across its two campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon.
