Norco College names two superior community college leaders, Samuel Lee, Ed.D., vice president of academic affairs, and Michael Collins, Ed.D., vice president of business services.
“Sam Lee and Michael Collins are impressive leaders who I believe will be an excellent match for Norco College and the community we serve,” President Bryan Reece said.
Lee has 30 years of teaching and administrative experience in private and public higher education and has been serving in the interim role since June 2017.
In 1993, Lee founded the USC International Academy, a comprehensive intensive English and graduate preparation program.
In 2002, he transitioned to the community college system working his way through the ranks at Citrus College, serving as associate dean and dean of language arts and enrollment management.
Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from California State University, Fresno, a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate degree in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne.
Collins comes to Norco College as a seasoned executive leader with eleven years of community college business leadership experience, along with a background in instruction and risk management at the community college level. Prior to arriving at Norco College, Collins served for 5 ½ years as vice president of administrative services at Santa Ana College. In this role, he served as the college’s Chief Business Officer, with direct oversight and accountability for a $110 million budget and college financial services. He also led and planned the college’s maintenance and operations, including safety and emergency preparedness.
Prior to Santa Ana College, he served six years as the director of business support services at Long Beach Community College District where he oversaw the District’s business operations. In addition to his leadership experience, Collins served as an adjunct instructor at Orange Coast College.
After attending Golden West College, he transferred to Syracuse University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise physiology; then obtained a master’s of public health from California State University, Long Beach and doctorate degree in higher education leadership from the University of Southern California.
Lee and Collins will assume their permanent duties on July 1, 2018.