December 16, 2025, was the last day on the campus at West Los Angeles College for Dr. James ‘Jim’ Limbaugh, and WLAC is transformed by his vision of education.
Sources at the college said that he had wanted to keep his departure ‘low-key, quiet,’ but a “farewell event was held for him – filled to overflowing – with faculty, staff, student representatives, and representatives from the WLAC Foundation which established a scholarship in his name.”
Prior to Limbaugh, the community college had been neglected by a series of lackluster presidents, several of whom occupied the office for a year or even less.
Limbaugh has been WLAC’s longest serving president, with nine years of leadership that have completely changed the institution.
During his tenure in office, the college has launched two successful baccalaureate degrees, earned designation as an Aspen Institution Top 150 college, established a nationally-recognized Center for Climate Change Education, opened up two new educational facilities, and implemented of a comprehensive plan for the physical environment, with the new Heldman Center serving as the heart of a completely re-envisioned campus.
The impact of the Center for Climate Change Education cannot be overstated. It’s a game changer.
A Proclamation for Limbaugh from the office of Assembly member Isaac Bryan noted “West Los Angeles College created the first community college degree in Climate Change Studies in the United States, positioning the institution as a national leader in climate education…Dr. Limbaugh established the California Center for Climate Change Education, which has achieved national recognition from Stanford University, Yale University, the American Association of Community Colleges, and NPR, while serving 87 faculty across the Los Angeles Community College District and placing hundreds of students in paid climate-based internships.”
He also departs with the next five years of upgrade and redesign already in the pipeline. New buildings, including on-campus housing for students, are already on the calendar.
Taking on the office will be Dr. Matthew Jordan, named as Interim President of West Los Angeles College by the Los Angeles Community College District. President Kelsey K. Iino. Ed.D, noted “The LACCD Board of Trustees is enthusiastic about his appointment, and his collaborative leadership style and proven ability to bring people together around a shared mission will be invaluable.”
Dr. Jordan currently serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Los Angeles Valley College.
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo credit – Michelle Long-Coffee, WLAC
