Office of the President

Welcome to City College

On behalf of the administration, faculty, and classified professionals at San Diego City College, I congratulate you for your pursuit in higher education andwelcome you to the Knights family.

Photo of President Shabazz

San Diego City College has provided a tradition of academic excellence, student success, and social justice since 1914. You will study among peers who are engaged in and out of the classroom in ways that will change the world. Our faculty and classified professionals engage in discussions that are driven by the idea of making the world a better place — one community at a time.

As a City College Knight, you have access to resources and student support services to ensure you graduate and transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Your journey will begin in a community equipped with everything you need to make your academic goals a reality.

Be sure to connect with our various student support services and learning communities. Visit our website to learn more.

Again, congratulations on furthering your education, and I look forward to seeing you on campus.

Signature

Ricky Shabazz, Ed.D.
President

Downloadables

Portrait of Dr. Shabazz Bio of Dr. Shabazz

About President Shabazz

Dr. Ricky Shabazz is a dynamic, student-centered leader with more than 25 years of executive experience advancing academic achievement, promoting social justice, and expanding access to higher education. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Dr. Shabazz is an accomplished public speaker, strategic thinker, and team builder with a proven record of fostering partnerships that drive student success.

He is recognized for his expertise in enrollment management and for cultivating institutional policies, processes, and cultures that create personalized learning experiences and improve student outcomes. Dr. Shabazz is deeply committed to data-informed decision-making, implementing high-impact practices, and promoting innovative, inclusive solutions that engage diverse stakeholders. A passionate lifelong learner, he is steadfastly dedicated to the mission of community colleges and their role in educating diverse populations.

As President and CEO of San Diego City College, Dr. Shabazz provides visionary leadership at one of the nation’s most innovative and socially engaged community colleges. His presidency emphasizes student completion, success, and social justice. Previously, he served as Vice President of Student Services at San Bernardino Valley College, Dean of Student Services at El Camino College Compton Center, and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of California, Davis (UCD).

Dr. Shabazz holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and a Master’s in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, as well as a Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on expanding college access for underrepresented students and developing effective learning communities.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shabazz has led transformative initiatives. At Compton College, he guided efforts that increased enrollment from 3,000 to nearly 15,000 students during a period of institutional transition. At San Bernardino Valley College, his team established one of the nation’s first Undocumented Student Resource Centers and expanded dual enrollment programs through strong partnerships with local high schools. He has also been a vocal advocate for state equity programs supporting undocumented students and the expansion of dual enrollment opportunities.

As an active member of A²MEND (the African American Male Education Network and Development organization), Dr. Shabazz has been instrumental in securing over $1 million in scholarships for community college students, establishing A²MEND chapters on more than 40 campuses, and supporting nearly 1,000 students in study abroad programs across Africa. Each year, A²MEND provides 15–20 community college students with the opportunity to study abroad.

Under his leadership at San Diego City College, the institution launched the first Cybersecurity Bachelor of Arts program at a California community college, opened the state’s first Barbershop Initiative to support the mental health of Black and Latino male students, and began developing the first affordable housing program south of Los Angeles, designed to house more than 800 first-generation, justice-impacted, veteran, and foster youth students. The college also offers a range of learning communities tailored to the needs of Black, Latino, veteran, justice-impacted, and Promise students.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Shabazz draws inspiration from his own journey—his mother was a teenage parent, and his father is a veteran. He remains dedicated to helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve academic and personal excellence while building highly effective, equity-driven teams.

Dr. Shabazz serves on several boards, including A²MEND, The President’s Round Table, The Museum of Us, The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and other community-based organizations.

San Diego City College is an Aspen Institute Top 20 Community College, accredited by the ACCJC, serving approximately 22,000 students across credit and career education programs. The college employs nearly 1,000 faculty and staff and operates with an annual budget of approximately $120 million as a Hispanic-Serving Institution deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and student success.

President's Vision and Executive Priorities

President's Goals

Photo of Doctor Shabazz and students

Photo of commencement ceremony