Sam Agdasi is a higher education leader with more than 25 years of experience, including over 15 years in community colleges as a faculty member and academic administrator. His career has focused on student achievement, academic program development, transfer pathways, STEM education, career technical education, and applied disciplines. He has worked to improve academic quality, support faculty, and connect college programs with transfer expectations and workforce needs.
He currently serves as the Dean of the Business Education Division at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. In this role, he provides leadership for Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Paralegal, Real Estate, and Business Communication Office Technology departments. His responsibilities include instructional improvement, program planning, faculty support, and student outcomes.
Sam has experience in curriculum development, budget planning, program review, enrollment planning, dual enrollment, and institutional operations. He has also developed partnerships with K–12 districts, four-year institutions, and industry to expand access and strengthen transfer and career pathways. Before joining Cerritos College, he served as Dean of Student Learning for the Business & Industrial Studies Division and the Social Sciences Division at Compton College. He has also held leadership roles at community colleges in California and the Midwest, including a multi-campus system.
His career began as a faculty member and program chair. He led the development of a nanotechnology program supported by National Science Foundation (NSF) funding and contributed to initiatives supported by the National Science Foundation, Strong Workforce, and Perkins programs. His work has helped expand internships, industry partnerships, and career opportunities for students.
Sam 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.
His community involvement has included supporting COVID-19 vaccination clinics, coordinating efforts to produce protective equipment for healthcare providers, participating in K–12 STEM events, presenting to senior citizens on emerging technologies, and serving as a judge for regional science and engineering fairs. As an immigrant and first-generation college graduate, Sam Agdasi remains focused on educational access, student success, stronger academic pathways, and meaningful career opportunities.
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