Dr. Dyrell Foster, President of Las Positas College, is a visionary leader deeply committed to advancing educational access, equity, and student success. “My goal is to ensure that every student who walks through our doors feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential,” says Dr. Foster. His student-centered approach prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring the college’s policies, practices, and culture meet the needs of its diverse student population.
At Las Positas College, Dr. Foster has worked to cultivate a culture of integrity, passion, and community engagement, providing students with the resources they need to thrive. His leadership focuses on forming strong partnerships, driving innovative solutions, and championing equitable outcomes. In doing so, he also plays a vital role in building the workforce pipeline in the Tri-Valley region. “We have a responsibility not just to educate, but to actively support the economic and social development of our community,” he emphasizes.
Dr. Foster’s leadership journey spans several institutions, having served as Vice President of Student Services at Moreno Valley College and Dean of Student Affairs at Rio Hondo College. He has also taught at California State University, Long Beach, and CSU Fullerton. As a first-generation college student, he holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science in Counseling from CSU Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Behavioral Science from UC Davis, where he was co-captain of the football team. Today, alongside his wife, Tami, and their two children, Maylea and Daylen, Dr. Foster remains deeply committed to empowering the next generation of students.
A Hub of Diversity and Opportunity
Las Positas College (LPC), located in Livermore, California, plays a key role in the East Bay’s educational landscape. It serves a diverse student body drawn primarily from Alameda County, including Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton, as well as neighboring areas like Tracy, San Ramon, and Mountain House.
Designated as both a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), LPC enrolled 7,607 students in Fall 2023, with 70% of them being students of color. The student population is made up of 30% Latinx and White students each, followed by 21% Asian Americans, and 5% each of African American and Filipino students. A significant portion, 64%, have declared a goal of transferring to four-year universities, with California State University, East Bay as the top transfer destination.
The Tri-Valley area, where LPC is located, is known for its Mediterranean climate and thriving technology and science sectors, home to institutions like the Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Laboratories. “We’re situated in one of the most innovative and dynamic regions in the country,” Dr. Foster remarks, “which makes our role in preparing students for future careers even more important.”
Despite its economic strength, the region faces challenges like high living costs, which makes LPC’s role in preparing students for lucrative careers all the more vital. The college offers a wide range of academic programs, including 27 Associate of Arts degrees, 31 Associate of Science degrees, and 93 certificate programs.
Under Dr. Foster’s leadership, LPC continues its mission of fostering lifelong learning and closing achievement gaps, especially for first-generation and underrepresented students.
Providing High-Quality Education
Dr. Foster emphasizes that LPC is dedicated to developing future leaders and providing pathways to good-paying careers that improve the quality of life for students and their families. “Education is transformative,” he says. “Our job is to give students the tools they need to change not just their own lives, but the lives of their families and communities as well.”
Central to this mission is ensuring that all students experience a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive campus environment that nurtures both their academic and personal growth. “Equity is about creating environments where every student, regardless of their background, can succeed,” Dr. Foster shares.
LPC is committed to scaling institutional practices to improve equitable student outcomes, with a focus on:
- Advancing Equitable Student Success Outcomes: Continuously refining processes to ensure all students can achieve their educational and career goals.
- Building a Strong Student-Centered Culture: Fostering a sense of belonging, ensuring that each student feels valued and supported.
- Developing Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with employers and educational institutions to create work-based learning opportunities and career advancement pathways for students.
These efforts, along with equity-focused initiatives and community partnerships, have contributed to significant improvements in student success, including higher completion rates and greater transfers to four-year universities. LPC’s commitment to equity and student-centered practices has garnered strong community support, further solidifying its role as a key player in the region’s educational and economic landscape.
Student-Centered Leadership
Dr. Foster’s leadership philosophy is driven by continuous growth and self-reflection. “I’m always looking for ways to learn and improve,” he explains. “Leadership is about being adaptable and responsive to the needs of your community, and that means being open to change.”
As President, Dr. Foster serves as the chief executive officer, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the college, including:
- Instructional and Student Services: Ensuring that academic programs and student support systems are responsive to student needs.
- Staff Supervision and Evaluation: Guiding faculty and staff to ensure the college functions effectively and continues to meet its goals.
- Planning and Budgeting: Strategically allocating resources to align with LPC’s long-term objectives.
- Technology: Embracing technological advancements to enhance the educational experience.
- Outreach and Public Relations: Building strong community relationships to promote the college and its offerings.
Despite these broad responsibilities, Dr. Foster finds his greatest joy in daily interactions with students. “When I see a student succeed, when I hear about their accomplishments, that’s what it’s all about,” he shares. “Those are the moments that remind me why we do this work.”
Building a Just Society
Dr. Foster’s leadership extends beyond campus boundaries. He is dedicated to transforming educational institutions and society to be more equitable and just. “True equity isn’t about small changes,” he says. “It’s about challenging the status quo and making bold decisions that address the root causes of inequality.”
His vision includes reshaping policies and practices to remove systemic barriers and create a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. By fostering environments that encourage personal exploration and growth, he seeks to empower individuals to live lives of purpose and meaning. “When people are free to pursue their passions, they contribute positively to society and help build a better, more just world.”
Through his commitment to equitable policies and meaningful outcomes, Dr. Foster continues to inspire others to realize their potential and contribute to a more liberated and fair society.
Championing Equity and Success
In his hiring practices, Dr. Foster seeks team members who are passionate about lifelong learning and dedicated to advancing educational equity and student success. “I look for people who not only believe in our mission but live it every day,” he explains. “Leaders who are collaborative, inclusive, and committed to creating a positive, supportive environment for our students and employees.”
A Vision for Growth
Reflecting on his professional journey, Dr. Foster shares that the greatest risk he took was relocating his family from Southern California to Northern California to lead Las Positas College. “Moving our family was a big decision, but we knew it was the right one,” he recalls. Today, his family is thriving in the Tri-Valley community, with his wife, Tami, finding success in her career, and their children embracing the local culture and making new friends.
Looking ahead, Dr. Foster is excited about LPC’s trajectory over the next five years. He envisions continued growth in enrollment and steady improvements in student success outcomes, particularly in the number of degrees and certificates awarded. Transfers to four-year universities are expected to reach new heights. Additionally, the college plans to expand its academic offerings, introduce new degrees, and add state-of-the-art facilities that enhance student learning and engagement.
“I see a bright future for Las Positas College,” he says. “We’ll continue to be the college of choice in the region, preparing our students for meaningful, impactful careers that benefit not just them, but their families and the broader community.”
