Kern County leader named California Community College chancellor at system’s pivotal time

Sonya Christian, named chancellor of the California Community College District, has led the Kern Community College District since 2021. Sonya Christian, head of the Kern Community College District in the Central Valley, has been named chancellor of the state’s 116-community college system, officials announced Thursday, taking over as campuses are reeling from enrollment plunges and are challenged to find ways to serve students facing barriers to higher education. “The California Community Colleges proudly serves as the first for millions of Californians — first-generation students, first post-secondary institution attended, and we are pleased to continue that tradition with our first woman to lead the system as permanent chancellor,” said Amy Costa, president of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. “She’s a fierce leader for first-generation students like myself,” said Medina, a student at Compton Community College.