NOCCCD Announces Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna as New Vice Chancellor, Educational Services and Institutional Effectiveness

Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna is a seasoned higher education executive with over 18 years of experience in California’s community colleges and a deep commitment to advancing student success. She most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Academic Services at College of the Sequoias, a multi-campus district in California’s Central Valley and a Hispanic Serving Institution. In this role, she provided executive-level leadership for academic affairs and student support programs, alongside the Superintendent/President and executive cabinet to guide institutional planning, educational policy, and operations that support student success and equity. Since 2006, she has served in administrative leadership roles at the college, including Dean of Arts and Letters for five years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Vega La Serna to NOCCCD,” said Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland. “Her leadership is guided by a deep understanding of the transformative power of education, and her experience aligns powerfully with our District’s mission and strategic goals. Her references were resoundingly positive, reflecting her high caliber, character, and lasting impact on students, faculty, and community partners.”

Since 2020, Dr. Vega La Serna has served as a Commissioner for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). She served seven years on the executive board of the California Community Colleges Chief Instructional Officers (CCCCIO) and recently completed her term as President. She currently serves on the statewide California Community Colleges Curriculum Committee (5C), which advises the Chancellor’s Office on Title 5 regulations and curriculum policy. In 2022, she was honored with the Carter Doran Statewide Leadership Award for demonstrating vision, service, and commitment to equity and inclusion during a time of unprecedented challenge for the system.

“I am honored and excited to join the North Orange County Community College District as the next Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Institutional Effectiveness,” said Dr. La Serna. “This role represents an exciting next step in my career path, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, District leadership, and the dedicated teams at Cypress College, Fullerton College, and NOCE to advance student success and equity. This is an incredible opportunity to serve a dynamic and diverse community, and I am eager to contribute to the District’s ongoing work and future vision.”

Dr. Vega La Serna holds a doctorate in education policy, planning, and administration (specialization in international and intercultural education) and a master’s degree in TESOL from the University of Southern California. She holds a second master’s degree in counseling and guidance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is a proud alumna of College of the Sequoias.

Dr. Vega La Serna is scheduled to begin at NOCCCD in September 2025.