The Ventura County Community College Board of Trustees has announced Dr. Julius Sokenu as Moorpark College’s next permanent President.

Sokenu and Dr. Brian K. Sanders, Vice President of Instruction at Columbia College, were the two finalists for president, announced in a press release.

Sokenu is currently serving his second year as interim president at Moorpark College since starting in 2019.

VCCCD Chancellor Greg Gillespie explained the type of work Sokenu did during his time as interim president.

“During his tenure as the interim president, he expanded and supported institutional priorities relates to equity and diversity, specifically for services to underserved populations,” said Gillespie.

According to the press release, Sokenu joined Moorpark College as a dean in 2007. He has 27 years of leadership experience including 14 years of work in student services, career technical education, community relations and managerial oversight.

Trustee Chair Joshua Chancer shared the boards delight in Sokenu’s selection.

“The board is pleased to have Dr. Sokenu as president of Moorpark College, where he can continue the initiatives he launched in the past two years and provide a continuity for the campus. His expertise in strategic planning and organizational leadership is a benefit to the college and district,” Chancer said in the Ventura County Community College District’s press release.

Sokenu is highly qualified for the position with an array of educational and hands-on experience. He holds a doctorate in education from Boston University, a master of fine arts from Arizona State University and bachelor’s degrees from University of Southern California in English creative writing and business administration.

Sokenu expressed his pleasure for the opportunity to continue serving as Moorpark College President.

“The college has a student-first philosophy that informs all decisions and serves as a clarion call. We are committed to student excellence, equity, achievement and racial and social justice. I am proud to continue building pathways to prosperity for our students,” said Sokenu.