The San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) is pleased to announce Dr. Masahiro Omae as the new Vice President of Instructional Services. Dr. Omae, who has been a dedicated leader in the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) since 2014, brings over a decade of experience in higher education leadership, program management, noncredit to credit development expertise, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Dr. Omae began his distinguished career at SDCCD in 2014 as the sole full-time political science faculty member at San Diego City College. He went on to serve as the Dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Consumer and Family Studies at San Diego City College since 2021, where he oversaw 17 instructional programs and led multiple strategic initiatives to improve student success, enrollment, and academic quality. With his extensive background in higher education administration and faculty leadership, Dr. Omae is poised to make a significant impact in advancing SDCCE’s mission to provide accessible and high-quality education to diverse communities.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Omae to our leadership team,” said Dr. Tina M. King, President of San Diego College of Continuing Education. “His proven track record in academic leadership, coupled with his unwavering dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, aligns perfectly with the college’s values and goals. Dr. Omae’s expertise will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and expand our instructional programs in response to the evolving needs of our students and community.”

Dr. Omae’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and a deep commitment to student success. Throughout his career, he has been known for his ability to foster shared governance, build strong partnerships across the district, and lead initiatives that advance both academic excellence and student equity. His work on culturally responsive curriculum and initiatives, such as the Title III Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) grant, exemplify his dedication to inclusivity and student-centered outcomes. In addition, Dr. Omae brings extensive experience in grant management, having successfully secured and implemented multi-million-dollar grants that have supported a range of impactful programs and services for students. Dr. Omae has led the SD Advance for the past three years, where he supported the development of creating noncredit to credit pathways for SDCCE students to the credit colleges.

“I am honored to join the San Diego College of Continuing Education as Vice President of Instructional Services,” said Dr. Omae. “I look forward to working with faculty, classified professionals, students, and the leadership team to further enhance SDCCE’s programs, particularly as we continue to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. Together, we will continue to build a learning environment that supports all of our students and prepares them for success in their academic and professional careers.”

Dr. Omae holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Sacramento, and a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics and International Relations from the University of California, Riverside. His career in the SDCCD has been marked by significant achievements in curriculum development, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making, all aimed at improving student outcomes and ensuring sustainable institutional growth.

Dr. Omae will begin his tenure on January 2, 2025, and succeeds Dr. Minou Spradley, who has served as Interim Vice President of Instruction since February 2023. 

“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Minou Spradley for her outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication during her tenure as Interim Vice President of Instructional Services,” said Dr. Tina M. King. “Dr. Spradley’s dedication to our college and students was instrumental in navigating a pivotal period of transition. Her guidance not only ensured the continuity and stability of our programs but also reinforced our collective focus on student success and equity. We are profoundly grateful for her many contributions and now look forward to Dr. Omae leading the Instructional Services division into an exciting and successful future.”