Carlos Cortez, Ph.D.
Carlos O. Cortez, Ph.D., most recently served as the chancellor of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), the seventh-largest community college system in the United States. In this capacity, he oversaw more than 100,000 students annually and is responsible for a $1 billion budget. As chancellor, Dr. Cortez oversaw the reopening of the district's 10 campuses following the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilding enrollment, and restoring the district's finances through careful fiscal planning and establishing new revenue streams. He also spearheaded the development of a districtwide strategic plan that will take the SDCCD through 2030.
Previously, Dr. Cortez served as the president of San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE), one of the four colleges that comprise the SDCCD. Dr. Cortez has served as faculty at Johns Hopkins University, National University, New York University, and the University of California (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego). His research interests center on the role of educators and administrators of color in the historical development of American social welfare and education policy. Dr. Cortez is also an expert in the area of promoting inclusion in urban education through literacy and policy initiatives and a champion of higher education accessibility.
Dr. Cortez has taught consistently since 1999. He has served as an administrator for 18 years and as CEO for 13 years. Prior to leading SDCCE, he worked as the acting vice president and dean of instruction at Berkeley City College (BCC). Before BCC, he served as director of Education Extension at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). He began his career in education as a Teach for America Corps member. His experience spans the public, private, and charter school sectors in Washington DC, Houston, New York City, Los Angeles, Berkeley, and San Diego. Dr. Cortez served as principal of New Village Charter School and as assistant principal of special education services at Grape Street Elementary School, both in Los Angeles. In these positions he was known for his dedication to teachers and students, the development of innovative programs and services, policy advocacy, astute fundraising, and sound fiscal management. He has served as the principal investigator on $5.7 million of competitive federal research grants.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cortez has elected to work primarily with underserved, ethnically diverse student populations from systemically marginalized communities. He has been a staunch advocate for policy and financial. His commitment to social justice drives his passion for urban education reform.