Dr. Loretta Adrian, Ph.D., has announced her retirement as President of Coastline College after more than ten years of leading the college. Dr. Adrian joined the Coast Community College District as the sixth president of Coastline Community College on July 1, 2010.
"I cherish the time I have spent at Coastline working alongside highly dedicated faculty and staff whose work remains steadfastly focused on students. I am immensely proud of our shared accomplishments as well as the tenacity and creativity by which we overcame challenges. Coastline is truly unique, with a culture that values and exemplifies personal connections, caring, innovation, grit, and excellence. The next president will be very lucky to be part of this great organization."
Coastline founded originally as a "college without walls," is one of the three colleges in the Coast District. Coastline is one of the nation's most innovative colleges known for its advancements in distance and online education in the field delivering on-site and hybrid classes to students close to their homes locally, and through online learning nationally and internationally.
"Coastline College is a transformative power for students and the communities we serve," said David Grant, president of the Coast District Board of Trustees. "Dr. Adrian is an equally transformative leader in the history of Coastline, turning the vision of the college into today's reality."
Dr. Adrian has been a champion of innovation for the last ten years, deepening the college's commitment and practice of "students-first" philosophy, and supporting the faculty and staff. During her tenure, Coastline grew enrollment, increased student completion, and systematized integrated planning. Coastline became the first CA community college to be designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyberdefense Education and became a minority serving institution - both Asian and Hispanic Serving. Dr. Adrian oversaw significant changes at Coastline during her tenure, including the opening of the beautiful and sustainable new campus that opened in Newport Beach in July 2012, and the construction of the much-anticipated Coastline Student Services Center, which is set to open in Fountain Valley in 2022.
Dr. Adrian's entire career is driven by a passion for putting students first and helping others achieve their greatest potential," said Coast District Chancellor John Weispfenning. "Her fellow presidents and I have benefitted from Dr. Adrian's vast experience and commitment to public higher education."
Dr. Adrian plans to retire at the end of the Spring 2021 semester as of June 30th, after which she will spend time with her son and grandson in San Diego. Her letter to the campus community can be viewed on Coastline's Office of the President website page. The Coast district intends to launch a nationwide search for a new president.
"Dr. Adrian has been a guiding star for Coastline College as we meet students where they are," said Dr. Deborah Henry, Academic Senate President, Coastline College. "Dr. Adrian's collegial management style and incredible ability to listen and support faculty will be sorely missed. The faculty of Coastline wish her a joyful retirement."