On Sept. 6, Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Interim Chancellor Dr. Jannett N. Jackson notified employees regarding a leadership change at College of Alameda (COA) and the district.

Dr. Diana Bajrami was named new Acting President for College of Alameda, beginning Sept. 12. Bairami will be filling in for Dr. Nathaniel Jones III, who is on a temporary assignment as Acting Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration for PCCD. Both of their positions are assignments for six months but may be extended if needed.

Jackson commented, “Dr. Bajrami has almost 30 years of progressively responsible educational administrative and leadership experience in the California Community College system and abroad.”

Bajrami has been with PCCD since 2001 in various roles ranging from full-time Economics faculty to Interim Vice President of Student Services at Berkeley City College, to her current position as Vice President of Instruction at COA. Jones noted the significant improvements that she created for COA during her tenure.

Bajrami stated, “I am so honored and humbled to serve as the Acting President of the COA family. As I have done through the years, I will continue to stay committed, consistent and collaborative in ensuring that we continue to deliver academic excellence and offer innovative courses, programs and services while being a great community partner and a responsible steward of public funds. Education has bettered my life and the life of my entire family, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that COA continues to improve lives and communities by providing equitable access and success to our community members.”

Jones’ role as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration was announced by Jackson after Adil Ahmed, former head of Peralta’s Finance and Administration department since July 2020, requested to step back from his current position of Interim Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration and resume his permanent position as Associate Vice Chancellor of Finance.

Jones commented, “Things are going very well at the College of Alameda. I want to thank all the faculty, classified professionals, and administrators for your hard work and collaboration since I joined in December 2020. While it was not my plan to step away from leading COA as President, I do so in belief that my work will benefit both the District and College of Alameda. I look forward to continuing to work with all my wonderful COA colleagues and the rest of the District as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration.”

PCCD also includes Laney College and Merritt College, both in Oakland.