Home: Long Beach, CA. Profession: Higher education administrator. Organization: Compton College. Title: Dean of Business & Industrial Studies Division and Social Sciences Division (Dean of Student Learning). Pronouns: He/Him/His. Significant other: My wife. Alma mater: Purdue University. Languages spoken: English, Persian.
Passion: Providing opportunities for students. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring faculty. Hobbies: Travel, reading, fitness. Recent travel or adventure: Tbilisi, capital of the country of Georgia. Last book read: Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. Recently viewed and recommended: From Here to Eternity, a classic movie. Recent unique acquisition: First Edition (1943) of the book “The Little Prince”.
Personality profile: Strategic, collaborative, team builder, calm, honest. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Thoughtful. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual respect, trust, and showing up for each other, especially when it matters. What is your greatest joy? Helping students succeed. What is at the top of your bucket list? Visiting Africa. How do you relieve stress? Meditation. What is your go-to workout? Swimming.
What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Lego. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Do the right thing, even when no one is watching. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Focus on impact, not titles. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Conversation with students, faculty, educational and industry partners, and connecting patterns. What is your greatest satisfaction? Students transfer to four-year institutions or finding gainful employment. What company or organization do you most admire? Community colleges. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? My Immigration to the United States. What has given you the most joy and satisfaction in your life? Serving others, especially helping people grow and succeed.
What is your big idea?
Building an education system where access is not enough—completion and meaningful outcomes are the standard
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Strengthening the connection between instruction, student services, workforce and transfer outcomes to improve completion. What change would you like to see in the world? Education of all.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Driven by Purpose. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A teacher. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? The first poem that I wrote when I was five years old. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my loved ones, talking, laughing and appreciating the time we’ve had together. What advice would you give your younger self? Be patient. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I stepped into my first academic leadership role.
Personal mission: Expand access and success in higher education. Personal motto: Lead with clarity and purpose. Favorite quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” (Nelson Mandela).
