Sonya Christian

Dr. Sonya Christian has served as chancellor of the California Community Colleges since June 2023 and is the first woman to hold the role permanently. Previously, she was chancellor of the Kern Community College District. Throughout her career, she has championed collaborative leadership and advanced equity in student access, success, and economic mobility. She began as a mathematics professor at Bakersfield College, later serving as division chair and dean, and went on to leadership roles at Lane Community College before returning as president of Bakersfield College. Dr. Christian has also served on the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and holds degrees from the University of Kerala, USC, and UCLA.