San Diego City College selects two new deans effective January 3, 2022.

Masahiro “Masa” Omae, Ph.D., has been named the new dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Consumer and Family Studies. Dr. Omae first joined City College in Spring 2014 as the only full-time political science faculty member and most recently served as acting dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Consumer and Family Studies since July 2021.

“Returning to City College as faculty felt like I was coming back home. This institution gave me the opportunity to start my academic journey,” he said. “I truly feel like it is my time to pay it forward through the power of education.”

Omae was born in Kyoto, Japan and came to the United States as an exchange student in 1995, his last year of high school. After graduating from San Diego High School, Omae went on to study political science at City College. He continued his academic career at California State University, Sacramento where he earned a bachelor's and master's degree and received a doctoral degree in political science from the University of California, Riverside.

Omae’s experience as an international student will guide his leadership role. “I can relate to various challenges that students are facing, and my goal is to make sure our institution reflects the needs of our student body.”

Aaron Detty will serve as City College’s next dean of Health, Exercise Science, and Athletics. Detty also works as the athletic director and was previously the acting dean of Health, Exercise Science, and Athletics since fall 2019.

“One of the most important things to me is my family, my wife, and my daughters. They keep me going, when I first was offered this position, it was all smiles,” said Detty.

As a proud alum he looks forward to being back on campus. “The mentorship City College offers student athletes is more than just sports. They are supported in their academics and their life choices,” said Detty, who was recruited to play baseball as a first baseman for City College while in high school.

Following his studies at City College, Detty transferred to the University of California San Diego to complete his playing career and bachelor’s degree. Afterwards, he received his Master’s in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University. In 2005, he was hired as an assistant baseball coach at City College and went on to become the associate head coach.