News Releases

Costa Mesa, CA — Coast Community College District (CCCD) proudly announces the nomination of two college presidents, Meridith Randall and Dr. Angelica Suarez, for the 2025 Women in Business Awards presented by the Orange County Business Journal. These nominations highlight the presidents’ outstanding leadership and contributions to higher education. 

Meridith Randall, J.D. has nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, including 17 years as a Chief Instruction Officer in the California Community College system. Randall served as Vice President of Instruction at Golden West College (GWC) for three years prior to being selected as Interim President of the College in 2023 and selected as the permanent President in 2024. 

During her three decades of service, Randall has been an accreditation liaison officer for five different institutions; served on several visiting accreditation teams; participated on state advisory committees for dual enrollment, institutional effectiveness and online education; served as president of the California Community Colleges Chief Instructional Officers organization twice; and has supported the development of multiple career technical education programs. She also has served as director of programs and educational effectiveness for the California Virtual Campus and helped lead the effort to develop a statewide online course exchange. 

Dr. Angelica Loera Suarez assumed the role of the 11th President of Orange Coast College (OCC) in July 2019. With more than 20 years of experience as an educational leader, she now oversees one of Orange County's largest community colleges, which has been serving students since 1947. 

Dr. Suarez's journey as an immigrant, English language learner, and first-generation college student is a testament to her resilience and determination. This narrative connects her directly to the shared experiences of California community college students. Her diverse community college experience, from being a former student, classified professional, and faculty member to an administrator, has provided her invaluable perspectives. Her educational background includes a doctoral degree in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University Chicago, a master's degree in counseling psychology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University at Long Beach, and an associate degree from East Los Angeles College.