10 Dec A Conversation With Dr. Barry Gribbons
A Conversation With:
Dr. Barry Gribbons
Los Angeles Valley College
President
How long have you been volunteering in the community?
I have been volunteering in the community for 15 years in Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley. This has included Los Angeles County Fire Foundation, Rotary, College of the Canyons Foundation, and SCV Food Pantry.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have been president of Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) since August 2019. LAVC is one of the largest of the nine campuses of the Los Angeles Community College District with approximately 18,000 students in the eastern portion of the San Fernando Valley. It primarily serves the communities of Valley Glen, Van Nuys, North Hollywood, Valley Village, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Lake Balboa, Panorama City, and Burbank.
Prior to arriving at LAVC, I had 19 years of leadership experience at College of the Canyons, with the last four years serving as Deputy Chancellor. In addition to being Deputy Chancellor, I held several administrative posts, including Assistant Superintendent, Vice President, Executive Dean and Dean, overseeing technology, research, planning, and public safety training. From 1996 to 1999, I was Senior Researcher and Project Director at UCLA’s Center for the Study of Evaluation where his work coordinated large-scale education reforms to benefit underserved students. During this time, I was also a consultant to the U.S. Department of Education.
I have co-authored more than 520 research reports during the past 19 years and presented work at more than 50 national, statewide and regional conferences. I taught at California State University, Los Angeles and College of the Canyons.
I received my Ph.D. in Education, with specialization in measurements and statistics, and a Master’s degree in education, both from University of Southern California; a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge, and my associate’s degree in math and science from the College of the Canyons.
My wife, Michelle and I have been married for 20 years and have two children, Eva and Luke.
For more information visit my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-gribbons-a66983100/
What is one of your Passion Projects that you are working on?
I am dedicated to ensuring that all members of our communities and businesses have access to high quality, affordable higher education. Access to education creates opportunity and can transform communities, including ensuring our communities’ economic health. I am excited to join professionals at LAVC who share this commitment to the community.
Why do you continue to be a member of The Valley Economic Alliance?
The Valley Economic Alliance serves a critical role in promoting the economic health of the community and I am thrilled to be able to support its mission on behalf of LAVC.