Dr. Brian Ellison has dedicated his professional career to serving students in the community college setting and adult learner community. He has taught as a tenured professor at the community college level (psychology and sociology) and has served in several roles as a senior administrator (Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, Dean of Instruction, and Dean of Career and Technical Education). As an education leader he has worked to ensure equity, access, and promote diversity through ensuring regulatory compliance in the areas of affirmative action, 504 Rehabilitation Act, and Title IX. He has also worked with adult learners as the Chief Academic Officer for the Farmworker Institute of Education and Leadership Development to address the educational and social justice needs of the migrant farm labor population in California. Lastly, he has worked to support adult learners in California through legislative activity (SB 361 and AB 86) specific to state funding and the structure and delivery of adult education. He currently serves as a consultant to community colleges in the area of curriculum development, student recruitment, and e-learning. He also oversees an independent e-learning platform that blends ESL and CTE curriculum for those interested in becoming small business owners. Dr. Ellison is a strong supporter of student-centered learning and curricular pathways that provide skill sets leading to employment or transfer to four-year institutions.

From his experiences as a consultant, e-learning provider, and work in the California wine industry, Dr. Ellison brings an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to the educational setting. That spirit is reflected in his leadership style and approach to planning and operational activities of a college as well as his support of students as they navigate their way through the community college experience. As a first generation college graduate and product of the community college system, Dr. Ellison understands and appreciates the transformative nature of community colleges and their ability to shape the lives and futures of those served.