Sam Agdasi

For more than 25 years, Sam Agdasi has worked in higher education with a strong focus on community colleges, student progress, and academic growth. Over 15 years of that experience have been in community college settings, where he has served as a faculty member, program chair, dean, and senior academic administrator, including service at the vice president level. Former Vice President Sam Agdasi has concentrated on student success, transfer pathways, STEM education, career technical education (CTE), and applied disciplines. His leadership has emphasized aligning academic programs with transfer requirements and workforce needs while supporting student achievement, institutional effectiveness, and long-term outcomes. Sam currently serves as the Dean of Student Learning for the Business & Industrial Studies and Social Sciences Divisions at Compton College in Compton, California. In this role, he provides leadership for a broad set of academic and workforce programs, including business, industrial trades, and social sciences. His work is grounded in program quality, instructional improvement, and student outcomes. He works closely with faculty and staff to strengthen teaching and learning while encouraging continuous review and development across programs. In his present position, Sam oversees both strategic and operational responsibilities. These include budget planning, curriculum development, program review, and faculty support. He also leads dual enrollment initiatives and helps develop partnerships with K–12 districts, four-year institutions, and industry partners. These efforts support greater access for students and help strengthen transfer and workforce pathways. Through collaboration and careful data use, he has contributed to program sustainability, enrollment stability, and student success across a range of disciplines. Before joining Compton College, Sam Agdasi held leadership roles at large community colleges in California and in the Midwest, including a multi-campus system. In those positions, he managed multi-million-dollar budgets, supported institutional and programmatic accreditations, and expanded instructional delivery through both traditional and online formats. His experience includes leading complex academic divisions and helping align educational offerings with transfer requirements and workforce priorities. He has also been involved in strategic planning efforts that connect academic programs with regional economic development goals. Earlier in his career, Sam worked as a faculty member and program chair, helping develop innovative curricula and establish new academic programs. A major example was his leadership in developing a nanotechnology program supported by National Science Foundation (NSF) funding. This work integrated concepts across science, engineering, health-related fields, and applied technologies. He has also contributed to grant-funded initiatives supported by the National Science Foundation and workforce development programs such as Strong Workforce and Perkins, helping expand opportunities for students through internships, industry partnerships, and career pathways. Former Vice President Sam Agdasi holds a master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology. After graduate studies, he worked as a Research Specialist in the Chemistry Department at Purdue University. As an immigrant and first-generation college graduate, he brings personal insight into the value of education. Based in Compton, California, he remains committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening academic programs, and supporting students as they work toward meaningful educational and professional futures.