Sam Agdasi Male • United States of America

Sam Agdasi is a higher education administrator with more than 25 years of experience, including over 15 years in community colleges as a faculty member and academic administrator. His work has focused on student achievement, academic program quality, transfer pathways, STEM education, career technical education, and applied disciplines. He has supported faculty, improved programs, and helped align academic offerings with transfer expectations and workforce priorities.

He currently serves as the Dean of the Business Education Division at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. His responsibilities include leadership for Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Paralegal, Real Estate, and Business Communication Office Technology departments. He works with faculty and staff to support instructional improvement, program planning, academic quality, and student outcomes.

Sam has broad experience in curriculum development, budget planning, faculty support, enrollment planning, program review, and dual enrollment. He has also worked with K–12 districts, four-year institutions, and industry partners to strengthen access, transfer opportunities, and workforce preparation.

Before his current role, 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 positions at community colleges in California and the Midwest, including a multi-campus system. His responsibilities have included managing multi-million-dollar budgets, supporting accreditation, and expanding both traditional and online instruction.

Sam began his career 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 helped expand internships, industry partnerships, and career pathways.

He 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. He also worked as a Research Specialist in the Chemistry Department at Purdue University, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team.

His professional focus continues to include educational access, support for underserved communities, stronger STEM and CTE programs, and pathways into high-demand fields. Sam Agdasi remains committed to helping students pursue meaningful academic and professional opportunities.