VCCCD Board to confirm Luis Pablo Sanchez as Moorpark College president

Born in Laredo, Texas, Sanchez attended public schools in Texas and California, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Los Angeles, in 1976.  In 1983, he earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and was admitted to the California Bar Association.  While practicing commercial law, Sanchez earned a Master’s degree in Business and Tax Law from McGeorge School of Law.  Sanchez taught business and corporate law part-time from 1986 to 1991 while maintaining a full-time private law practice.  From 1991 to 2006, he taught Business Law, Federal Income Taxation, and Law and Society as a full-time instructor at Sierra Community College in Rocklin, California.

During this time, Sanchez continued to practice law on a part-time basis and was honored by students with Sierra College’s Outstanding Instructor award in 1997-1998 and 1999-2000. He also wrote and published two textbook supplements on California Business Law. In 2006, Sanchez was appointed Associate Dean of Business and Technology at Sierra College and was subsequently promoted to Dean of Business, Technology, and Public Safety.

In July 2011, Sanchez assumed his duties as Associate Superintendent and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California.

“I am pleased Luis plans to join the District and lead Moorpark College,” commented Chancellor Jamillah Moore, Ventura County Community College District.  “He understands the importance of student success in the California community college system, and his depth of experience and expertise will benefit Moorpark College employees, students, and the community.”

Upon Board approval, Sanchez would start at Moorpark College in February 2015.

“To receive this opportunity is a milestone for me,” Sanchez stated in a media release by Allan Hancock College. “To be the president of a community college has been a goal of mine since I can remember. I feel incredibly fortunate.”

Sanchez began working at Hancock in July 2011 in his current role. He plans to continue working at Hancock into February, before starting his new position at Moorpark in early March.

The search for Sanchez’s replacement at Allan Hancock College will begin in the spring.

“I truly love Hancock, the students and people I work with,” Sanchez said. “I am proud to work at a college where we weathered the biggest possible storm during the economic downturn and came out on top because of everyone’s deep devotion to helping students succeed.”

During his time at Hancock, Sanchez has worked under three presidents: José Ortiz, Ed.D.; Elizabeth Miller, Ed.D.; and current president Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. He said he would take something from each of them to his new post.

“Dr. Ortiz was charismatic and great with students. Dr. Miller was unshakeable and a great steward for the college. Dr. Walthers is highly entrepreneurial and someone I feel will lead Hancock to greatness,” he said.

Walthers wished Sanchez the best in his new position. “Luis is one of the most thoughtful and insightful leaders I have ever worked with,” said Walthers. “Moorpark College is fortunate to have him join the institution.”

Sanchez said the new position allows him to be closer to his two children, Robert and Elizabeth, who live in San Diego, as well as his mother in Seal Beach and his siblings in Long Beach and Irvine.

He plans to immerse himself in Moorpark’s culture for a few months before identifying his main goals.

“I want to see a broader picture before I can figure out how to support Moorpark to becoming as great of a college as possible, ultimately, to the benefit of the students.”