Student Vaccination
Dear Colleagues,
I am excited to announce, effective November 1, 2022, Dr. Brian Ellison will join Palomar College as the Acting Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services. Dr. Ellison has served as a senior community college administrator for over 18 years. He has served as both an Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services and Instruction. His proven administrative capabilities in both Student Services and Instruction, paired with his belief in collaboration between the two areas being the primary generator of positive student outcomes, makes him a perfect fit for our college.
Dr. Ellison is a proud first- generation college graduate, earning his first degree, an AA in General Psychology, from San Diego Mesa Community College. Dr. Ellison transferred to San Diego State University where he earned both his BA in Psychology and Sociology and MA in Applied Sociology, with distinction in both disciplines. Dr. Ellison’s Ed.D. is in Educational Leadership earned from the University of La Verne.
Dr. Ellison’s specialized Student Service leadership experience includes serving as a 504 Officer, Title IX Coordinator, Student Grievance Officer, Affirmative Action Investigator, and Region X Student Services Coordinator. Areas of expertise include student recruitment, student retention, curriculum development, online learning, grant writing and monitoring, accreditation processes and report writing, and contract negotiations. As an executive leader, he has worked closely with student services and instructional faculty to develop courses and instructional programs. Prior to his administrative appointments, Dr. Ellison taught for 12 years as a tenured professor of sociology and psychology.
Dr. Ellison has an evidenced commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a principal author/contributor to Student Equity Plans. He has also facilitated multiple institutional efforts in support of closing student achievement gaps, and he has provided operational oversight for legislative initiatives associated with Student Services and Instruction. He has also developed community-based partnerships with business and industry that provide students with curricular pathways to employment. Dr. Ellison has also worked at the legislative level via the State Chancellor's Office.
Brian grew up in University City, San Diego and has surfed for over 44 years. He shapes his own boards under the label S&S Surfboards.
Please help me in offering a warm welcome to Dr. Ellison, and a hearty congratulations to Director Lee as they both take on new responsibilities.
Thank you,
Star Rivera-Lacey, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President
Palomar Community College District
