New chancellor selected to lead Los Rios Community College District

Folsom Lake College, along with the other institutions within the Los Rios Community College District, is set to have a new chancellor. The district announced Dr. Torence Powell has been selected as the next chancellor. The selection is pending the completion of standard HR processes and approval by the Los Rios Board of Trustees at its January meeting. Powell is expected to begin his term on July 1, 2026. "I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District," said Dr. Powell. "This marks a meaningful homecoming for me, both professionally and personally. Not only did I spend more than 12 years working in Los Rios, but I am proud to say that my experience as a student at Cosumnes River College (CRC) during and after high school had a profound impact on my life." Dr. Powell joins Los Rios having most recently served as superintendent/president of Napa Valley College since 2022. Before his time in Napa, he spent more than 12 years in the Los Rios Community College District, serving in various capacities at Cosumnes River College and the district office, including as associate vice chancellor of instruction, workforce and economic development. "I feel deeply connected to the students that we serve, and our mission to change the trajectory for students and entire families, as that is what CRC and Los Rios did for me and my family," Dr. Powell said. "I could not be prouder to return home to continue the legacy of student-centered excellence that has been the hallmark of the Los Rios Community College District for decades." Dr. Powell's contract will go to the board for approval at its Jan. 14 meeting and will be available to the public when that meeting's agenda is posted. He will succeed Dr. Brian King, who announced his retirement last spring, effective June 30, 2026. "Dr. Powell has a deep commitment to the transformational work of our colleges and a personal connection to communities we serve," said Los Rios Board President Kelly Wilkerson in an email to all Los Rios employees and students. "Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a collaborative leadership approach and a willingness to tackle tough issues on behalf of students." Los Rios is the second-largest community college district in California, serving the greater Sacramento region. Los Rios includes American River, Cosumnes River, Folsom Lake and Sacramento City; six major education and outreach centers; and specialized workforce and economic development programs for regional businesses, governments and organizations.