Dr. Lonita Cordova, Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services at San Joaquin Delta College, was named president of Saddleback College on April 21.
Saddleback College has been actively seeking a new president since early January. The South Orange County Community College District revealed four contenders in late March, with the next president set to start on July 1, 2026.
Saddleback College noted that it was looking for a new president, and characterized its candidate preference as a visionary and student-focused leader, to further its “Inspire 2035” strategic initiative, according to documentation for the role.
The “Inspire 2035” initiative is a decade-long strategic and facilities framework designed to steer Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College, Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP), and district services toward student success, equity, economic mobility, and innovation, and to guide upcoming academic and physical campus advancements.
An email to Cordova for comment was sent on Wednesday, April 22. She has not responded.
Director of Marketing and Communications Alex Breitler said it’s too early in the process for next steps related to replacing Cordova, but noted what those steps could be.
“My understanding is that although the selection has been made, it still requires formal Board approval at Saddleback. Should Dr. Cordova be approved, Delta College would then move forward with an in internal search for an interim VPSS and a full search for a permanent VPSS,” said Breitler. “The bottom line is it’s a bit early to get very specific about the particulars, but we’re prepared to move forward at the appropriate time.”
