Effective Wednesday, West Los Angeles College will be led by interim president Bob Sprague while a national search is conducted to replace outgoing president Dr. Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh.
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh recently was named president at Grossmont College in East County, San Diego.
Mr. Sprague, no stranger to campus, has served on West’s executive team as Vice President of Academic Affairs since 2007.
He has been associated with the college as a dean and instructor since the 1980s.
“Bob’s 30-plus years’ affiliation with West and his knowledge of the Los Angeles Community College District as an English professor, dean, and vice president position him well during this leadership transition period,” said Dr. Francisco Rodriguez, Chancellor of the District.
The search for the next permanent president will begin immediately with a goal of finding the right candidate by September, and having him or her in place by October.
Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh is credited with strengthening ties between the community and the college. He oversaw completion of the new General Classrooms and Student Services Buildings.
He led West for four years, a fairly typical tenure length for presidents of California community colleges.
Ms. Long-Coffee may be contacted at longcofm@wlac.edu
