California College of ASU today announced that Alanka Brown, an innovator with nearly two decades of experience in educational leadership, has been selected by the Board of Trustees to be the college’s new chief executive officer and dean. California College of ASU is a California affiliate of Arizona State University.
Building on a career that began in the classroom, Brown has established a track record of expanding access and inclusion, most recently as a college president and CEO, and as an administrator across both academic and student affairs.
She comes to this job from Miami Dade College, where she served as president of the Homestead campus and served for four years as president of the Padrón campus, an inclusive and accessible college campus in a multicultural urban environment.
“Dr. Brown’s skills are well suited for the opportunities that we are nurturing at California College of ASU,” said Trustee Nancy Gonzales, who is also executive vice president and university provost at ASU. “Dr. Brown’s career has been defined by expanding opportunities for students and learners to engage in higher education, and she comes to us with an enthusiasm for the work ahead and a commitment to the community.”
Brown said that her work on access, inclusion and student success is built on a foundation of institutional and operational effectiveness with a focus on the development of the people on the teams she leads.
“This is a very exciting time for California College of ASU, and I am committed to building upon the strong foundation that the college has established in its 72-year history and taking that legacy to new heights,” Brown said. “I look forward to fostering a culture where students, faculty and staff can thrive academically, personally and professionally as their best selves. This will be work we do together with a commitment where connection, collaboration and communication will be at the heart of what we do and the key to our success.”
Brown’s first day on the job corresponds with the beginning of the fall semester.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Florida A&M University, a Master of Arts in international affairs and international political economy from Florida State University, a Master of Public Administration from the Nova Southeastern University Huizenga College of Business, and a Doctor of Education in higher education administration from the Nova Southeastern University Fischler School of Education.
She also holds a graduate certificate in education law and policy from the Nova Southeastern University Shepard Board Law Center and a second graduate certificate in project leadership from Cornell University's College of Engineering.
California College of ASU, formerly known as Columbia College of Hollywood, has served students preparing for careers in creative industries for 72 years. The college is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Since 2022, the college has been a nonprofit affiliate of Arizona State University.
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