Ricky Shabazz, Ed.D.Photo of Ricky Shabazz

President, San Diego City College 

Dr. Ricky Shabazz is an enthusiastic, student-centered leader with over 20 years of executive experience advancing academic achievement, educational equity, diversity, and improving access to higher education. He is an effective public speaker and team builder with an accomplished track record developing collaborative partnerships that improve student success. He specializes in enrollment management and cultivating institutional policies, processes, and culture that provide personalized student experiences and improves student outcomes. Dr. Shabazz's demonstrated strengths include using data informed decisions to lead high impact models of practice, promoting innovative solutions that stimulate inclusive dialogue amongst all stakeholders, and being a passionate lifelong learner who is absolutely committed to the mission of community colleges to educate a diverse community of learners.

As San Diego City College's President and CEO, Dr. Shabazz provides executive leadership at one of the most innovative and socially active community colleges in the nation with a focus on student completion, success, and social justice. He has previously held positions as Vice President of Student Services, San Bernardino Valley College; Dean of Student Services, El Camino College Compton Center; Associate Director of Admissions, Harvey Mudd College; MESA Program Director and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, University of California, Davis (UCD); and Analyst in the University of California Office of the President.

Dr. Shabazz earned an Ed.D. in educational leadership, a master's degree in educational administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and a bachelor's degree from UCD. His research expertise is in increasing college access for underrepresented students.

Dr. Shabazz was the first person in his family to attend college. His mother was a teenage parent and his father is a veteran. He takes pride in helping students from diverse communities achieve academic excellence and building highly effective teams. Dr. Shabazz serves on the boards of Sharp Hospitals, the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the Jackie Robinson YMCA, YPO Pacific West, A2MEND, The President's Round Table, and a host of other community agencies.

San Diego City College is an Aspen Institute Top 20 community college that is accredited by the ACCJC. City College is a Hispanic Serving Institution serving approximately 17,000 students in credit and noncredit programs. City College has nearly 1,000 employees and an annual budget of approximately $70 million.


President's Vision


Photo of Doctor Shabazz and students


Office Staff:

Janelly Rodriguez, Acting Executive Assistant to the President

Phone: (619) 388.3453

Email: jrodriguez002@sdccd.edu

Office Location: A-322

Photo of commencement ceremony