Dr. Omar J. Torres brings over two decades of distinguished leadership experience within the California Community Colleges system to his role as President of De Anza College, a position he assumed in January 2025. Throughout his 24-year tenure in higher education, Dr. Torres has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to developing transformative instructional programs and implementing equitable support systems that serve students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.
Dr. Torres champions the transformative capacity of community colleges to break cycles of generational poverty while advancing innovative workforce development initiatives and meaningful community engagement. His leadership approach centers on creating experiential and integrated learning environments, promoting cultural responsiveness, eliminating institutional barriers, leveraging innovative technology solutions, building strategic community partnerships, and overseeing successful capital improvement projects. He fosters an environment characterized by intellectual inquiry, transparent communication, and mutual trust while ensuring higher education remains adaptive to evolving social, economic, and workforce demands that enhance collective well-being.
Prior to his current appointment, Dr. Torres held progressive leadership positions at College of the Canyons, including Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction and Accreditation Liaison Officer, Associate Vice President of Instruction, and Instructional Dean, where he demonstrated exceptional administrative acumen and strategic vision. Before transitioning to administration, he served as a tenured faculty member at Moorpark College, establishing a strong foundation in academic excellence and student-centered instruction. Dr. Torres began his higher education career in 2001 as an adjunct instructor at Los Angeles City College while concurrently serving as a high school chemistry teacher for three years, demonstrating his commitment to education across multiple academic levels.
Dr. Torres maintains significant involvement in statewide educational initiatives and professional organizations. He currently serves as the Region 4 CEO Representative on the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (CEOCCC) Board. His previous statewide leadership roles include serving as President of the California Community College Chief Instructional Officers (CCCCIO) organization, Region 6 Representative on the CCCCIO Board, and member of the Consultation Council, California Community Colleges Curriculum Committee, and the Community College League of California Advisory Committee on Legislation. Dr. Torres has spearheaded significant professional development initiatives, notably leading statewide training programs for deans of color and allies aspiring to chief instructional officer positions.
Beyond his educational leadership, Dr. Torres actively contributes to regional economic development and community enhancement through his service on the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce, the Krause Center for Innovation Advisory Board, and the Rotary Club of Cupertino.
Dr. Torres earned his Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne, his Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Texas A&M University. He is an internationally recognized co-author of two best-selling textbooks in General, Organic, and Biochemistry as well as Introductory Physical Science, contributing to educational resources utilized by institutions worldwide and demonstrating his continued commitment to advancing educational excellence through both leadership and scholarship.