Brenda Thames

Dr. Thames has over 25 years of experience in instruction, student services, and administration in California Community Colleges. She has served in a broad spectrum of positions including adjunct faculty, tenured faculty, faculty coordinator, department chair, program director, dean, Vice President of Student Services, and Vice President of Instruction. Prior to becoming El Camino College’s Superintendent/President, Dr. Thames served as the President of West Hills College Coalinga. As an experienced administrator and champion for student success, she has a passion for developing the capacities of individuals, institutions, and communities. Dr. Thames is committed to maintaining community engagement, educational access, facilitating student success, and attaining equitable educational outcomes for students in community colleges. Dr. Thames values the contributions that faculty and staff make to student success. She has demonstrated experience working collaboratively across all levels of the organization to achieve results as well as the proven ability to engage the active participation of external stakeholders to advance the priorities of the college and local communities. Dr. Thames holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Sociology and Social Welfare from University of California; Berkeley, Master of Arts degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California; Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California; and a Ph.D. in Education from Oregon State University. She completed the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management as well as fellowships with the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the UC Davis School of Education Center for Community College Leadership and Research.