Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes, South Orange County Community College District

After a national search, Dr. Julianna M. Asperin Barnes was named chancellor of the South Orange County Community College District in 2022. She previously served as president of Cuyamaca College when the college received the John W. Rice Diversity and Equity Award and was recognized by Excelencia in Education. Barnes is known for inclusive leadership, participatory governance, and transparency. She maintains regional, state, and national profiles. She serves on the board of directors of the Community College League of California and was recently appointed as the CEO lead for the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior College Standards Review.