Ricky Shabazz

Dr. Ricky Shabazz is an enthusiastic, student-centered leader with over 20 years of executive experience advancing academic achievement, educational equity, diversity, and improving access to higher education for underrepresented students. Shabazz specializes in enrollment management and cultivating institutional policies, processes, and culture that provide personalized student experiences and improves student outcomes. He uses data-informed decisions to lead high impact models of practice, promoting innovative solutions that stimulate inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders, and being a passionate lifelong learner committed to educating a diverse community of learners.

Shabazz provides executive leadership at one of the most innovative and socially active community colleges in the nation. San Diego City College is a Hispanic-serving and Asian-serving Institution serving approximately 17,000 students in credit and noncredit programs. City College has nearly 1,000 employees and an annual budget of approximately $70 million.

Shabazz earned an Ed.D. in educational leadership, a master's in educational administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and a B.A. from Davis. His research expertise is in increasing college access for underrepresented students.

Shabazz was the first in his family to attend college. His mother was a teenage parent and his father is a veteran. He takes pride in helping students from diverse communities achieve academic excellence and building highly effective teams. Shabazz serves on the boards of Sharp Hospitals, the San Diego Workforce Partnership, the Jackie Robinson YMCA, YPO Pacific West, A2MEND, the San Diego Black Chamber, and a host of other community agencies.

Shabazz previously held positions as vice president of student services, San Bernardino Valley College; dean of student services, Compton College; and the assistant director of undergraduate admissions, UC Davis.