As Charles Sasaki, the new President/Superintendent of Ohlone College, steps into his new role, he brings with him a deep commitment to serving the community, fostering strong partnerships, and focusing on student support. With a strong background in leadership and a passion for education, Sasaki aims to build on the college's successes while exploring opportunities to enhance the student experience and expand its impact.
Sasaki is the first Asian American president of Ohlone College, a milestone that holds great significance for him. He wants to use his role to instill confidence and inspire students with a similar background to pursue their dreams.
“By being visible and breaking barriers, I aim to demonstrate to others that they have the potential to achieve similar goals and make a difference in their chosen fields.”
Sasaki got his start in higher education as a faculty member, teaching American Ethnic Studies and Sociology. He soon found himself on a different path in his career when he became the founding dean of Cascadia Community College in the suburbs of Seattle.
That opportunity ignited his passion for community colleges.
“It’s tremendously rewarding to work at a community college because of their open-door philosophy and commitment to providing opportunities for all types of learners.”
The comprehensiveness of community colleges catering to students seeking degrees, certificates, worker retraining, or personal enrichment is a reason Sasaki has chosen to dedicate his career to these schools.
“This is an environment that fosters growth, learning, and community building,” he adds, “It’s a joy to meet students where they are and help them achieve their goals.”
Sasaki went on to share why he feels honored to lead Ohlone College, first touching on the college’s seamless transfer agreements.
“Ohlone College has a tremendous track record with transfers to four year institutions. It has historically been in the top of transfer institutions for the California Community colleges,” he shares.
He acknowledges the importance of maintaining this success and continuing to provide pathways for students who aspire to earn a four-year degree. With a commitment to excellence in transfer programs, Sasaki aims to ensure that the college remains at the forefront of transfer institutions within the California Community College system.
Additionally, he believes in extending support to both small and large employers to ensure that the college remains an integral part of the local workforce and economic development. By fostering strong connections and being of service to the industry, workforce, and economic development, Sasaki envisions an ideal collaboration that benefits all stakeholders.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) have been a significant focus in Sasaki's life and work. He appreciates that Ohlone College already demonstrates a commitment to these values.
“DEIA is not just something that the college happens to remember to think about. It really is woven into the fabric of the institution. It is in the DNA of Ohlone College.”
He looks forward to contributing to the ongoing goal to prioritize DEIA efforts to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
As Sasaki takes the helm at Ohlone College, his values-driven leadership, commitment to community engagement, and dedication to the student experience are poised to guide the institution towards a bright future.
Visit www.ohlone.edu to learn more about Ohlone College and enroll for Fall 2023.