Sam Agdasi Male • United States of America

Sam Agdasi is a seasoned leader in community college education with over twenty-five years of experience in higher education. His professional journey includes roles as a faculty member, program chair, dean, and senior academic administrator. Over time, he has developed a strong reputation for promoting student success, aligning academic programs with workforce needs, and strengthening transfer pathways that support long-term educational and career outcomes for diverse student populations.



Sam currently serves as Dean of Student Learning at Compton College, overseeing programs in business, industrial studies, and social sciences. In this position, he leads a broad range of academic and workforce initiatives, focusing on program quality and instructional innovation. His leadership ensures that courses and programs remain relevant, accessible, and aligned with both regional labor market demands and students' evolving goals.



In his day-to-day responsibilities, Sam manages key academic and operational functions, including budget planning, curriculum development, and program review. He works closely with faculty to enhance instructional practices and supports continuous improvement through data-informed strategies. His efforts also include expanding dual enrollment programs and building partnerships with schools, universities, and industry to create stronger pathways for student advancement.



Earlier in Agdasi's career, he held leadership roles at several large community colleges in California and the Midwest. These roles involved overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, supporting accreditation processes, and managing complex academic divisions. His leadership contributed to expanding access to education through both traditional classroom settings and online learning environments, helping institutions respond effectively to changing educational demands.



Former Vice President Sam Agdasi began his career as a faculty member, focusing on developing innovative curricula and launching new academic programs. Among his notable achievements was leading the creation of a nanotechnology program funded by the National Science Foundation. He has also been involved in multiple grant-funded initiatives that provide students with access to internships, hands-on training, and career-focused learning opportunities across technical and applied disciplines.



In addition to program development, Sam has contributed to facilities planning and institutional growth. His work has helped ensure that modern and effective learning environments support academic programs. By collaborating with institutional leaders and external partners, he has supported projects that enhance infrastructure, improve access, and strengthen the overall student learning experience across campus settings.



Sam's academic foundation is rooted in engineering, with 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. He also gained early professional experience as a research specialist at Purdue, working in an interdisciplinary environment that strengthened his analytical thinking and problem-solving skills in both technical and academic contexts.



As a first-generation college graduate and immigrant, Agdasi brings a personal perspective to his work in education. His commitment to equity and access is reflected in his focus on supporting underserved communities and creating meaningful opportunities for students. He consistently works to ensure that educational pathways lead to real outcomes, helping students build skills and achieve long-term success in their chosen fields.



Sam has also been actively involved in community engagement, contributing to initiatives that support public health, education, and outreach. His efforts have included organizing vaccination clinics, supporting the production of protective equipment during the pandemic, and participating in STEM outreach programs. These activities demonstrate his dedication to connecting education with community impact and service.



Sam Agdasi continues to influence the future of community college education through thoughtful leadership and a focus on student achievement. His work reflects a balance between academic excellence and workforce relevance, ensuring that programs prepare students for both transfer and career success. He remains committed to expanding partnerships, enhancing program quality, and supporting students as they pursue their academic and professional goals.