Dr. Seher Awan
Seher Awan is a passionate social justice advocate. As a first-generation community college student, she has dedicated her career to building on her passion for helping others.
Dr. Awan has an extensive educational background and has earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, a Masters of Business Administration, a Masters of Public Administration and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership.
Dr. Awan has served in numerous roles within higher education. In 2014, she was hired as Vice President of Administrative Services for San Diego City College. With her career beginnings in student services, she brought a unique approach to finance and administrative services.
At San Diego City College, she served in her role as Vice President of Administrative Services, guiding the College through new processes, participatory governance, and integrating a student success approach towards operations.
In 2018, Dr. Awan became the youngest California Community College president at 32. Joining the Los Angeles Southwest College team as president, Dr. Awan jumped in with enthusiasm, energy, and a focus on student-centered care.
She has led the college through extensive organizational change and fiscal recovery, keeping students at the center of her decision-making. She established new community partnerships and brought in resources every year of her tenure.
Dr. Awan served as a Wheelhouse Fellow in 2019 and is a current Aspen Institute New Presidents Fellow. She has over sixteen years of experience in higher education, with a strategic focus on equity and social justice, empowering the most underserved communities through education.