Dr. Monte E. Perez has been named President of East Los Angeles College (ELAC) by the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees, making him the 10th individual to hold this position.
Dr. Perez previously served as Interim President at ELAC and was also President of Los Angeles Mission College for ten years. His background includes work in strategic planning, accreditation, and community engagement across various institutions.
“East Los Angeles College is a cornerstone of opportunity for the communities it serves, and Dr. Perez is exceptionally well-positioned to lead the college into its next chapter as the next ELAC President,” said Dr. Alberto J. Román, Chancellor of LACCD. “During his time as Interim President, Dr. Perez provided steady leadership and helped advance key priorities that position ELAC for continued success. He is a proven leader with a strong record of advancing equity, strengthening academic pathways, and building meaningful partnerships. I am excited to continue working with him to support ELAC students and elevate the college’s impact.”
“I am deeply honored to be selected as President of East Los Angeles College,” said Dr. Monte E. Perez. “Having served as Interim President, I have seen firsthand the strength and resilience of the ELAC community. I am honored by the trust placed in me in leading the college forward by building on our accomplishments and creating even stronger pathways for student success. ELAC’s mission and the students it serves are at the heart of why I do this work.”
Sara Hernandez, LACCD Board of Trustees President, stated: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we welcome Dr. Monte E. Perez as ELAC’s President. Dr. Perez has demonstrated steady, student-centered leadership and a deep understanding of ELAC’s mission. His vision aligns with the Board’s commitment to equity, access, and student success, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.”
Before joining ELAC as Interim President, Dr. Perez led several initiatives at other colleges including reaffirming accreditation at Los Angeles Mission College where he launched a community advisory committee and secured over $20 million in grant funding for student programs.
At Moreno Valley College within Riverside Community College District—an institution serving around 10,000 students—he managed a $28 million budget while securing significant funding for allied health programs through partnerships with University of California Riverside Medical School and Riverside Regional Medical Center.
Earlier roles included senior positions at Golden West College focused on accreditation efforts and supporting underprepared students along with involvement in national education organizations.
Dr. Perez holds advanced degrees from University of Southern California—a Doctorate in Philosophy plus a Master’s degree—and an undergraduate degree from California State University, Los Angeles.
