Open Forum:

  • Thursday, November 14
  • 3-4 p.m.
  • Hinson Campus Center Conference Rooms A and B
View Livestream Candidate Feedback

Dr. Omar Torres has proudly spent the last 23 years in higher education as part of the California Community Colleges system. Since July 2020, Dr. Torres has served as the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Instruction and Accreditation Liaison Officer at College of the Canyons, where he facilitates the formulation of transformative instructional and equitable support opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. Dr. Torres is passionate about the transformative power of community colleges and committed to breaking cycles of generational poverty while fostering innovative workforce development training and community engagement. He has led the creation of experiential and integrated learning opportunities, cultural responsiveness and the dismantling of barriers, innovative uses of technology, community partnerships, fundraising, and various construction projects. Dr. Torres promotes a vibrant environment of inquiry, open communication, and trust while advocating for higher education to remain responsive to social, economic, and workforce changes that enhance social well-being. 

Dr. Torres previously served as Associate Vice President of Instruction and an instructional Dean. Before becoming an administrator, he was a full-time, tenured faculty member in chemistry while serving as department chair and member of Moorpark College’s Academic Senate and Curriculum Committee. His career began in 2001 at Los Angeles City College as an adjunct instructor while working full-time as a high school chemistry teacher for 3 years.

Statewide, Dr. Torres is the President of the CCCCIO organization and serves on Consultation Council, the California Community Colleges Curriculum Committee, and the Community College League of California Advisory Committee on Legislation. He has led the statewide training for deans of color and allies that aspire to become chief instructional officers and represented the CCCCIO board as past Region 6 representative.

Dr. Torres participates on multiple boards, including the College of the Canyons Foundation Board, GatewaySCV, and the Valley Industry Association of Santa Clarita.

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