Welcome: Dr. Ryan Cornner, Superintendent

Dr. Ryan Cornner

Dr. Ryan Cornner Takes the Lead

As the leader of GCC, Dr. Cornner is dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes an ethic of care for students and the community through empathy, respect and trust. Indicative of this work is supporting the college in being inclusive and promoting equitable success for all students. Dr. Cornner centers his work on building consensus and a mutual vision for the college. His collaborative approach to leadership encourages experimentation and innovation to better support students. He believes academic success thrives on engaging students inside and outside the classroom and creating an environment that enhances learning and allows self-exploration.

Dr. Cornner has twelve years of teaching within the community college and university systems, including providing instruction in the Master of Higher Education Counseling Program at USC. Prior to his position at GCC, Dr. Cornner served as Vice Chancellor, Educational Programs & Institutional Effectiveness for the nine college Los Angeles Community College District. Previously, he served as Associate Vice President for Strategic Planning and Innovation at Pasadena City College and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness at East Los Angeles College. A native of Southern California, Dr. Cornner earned his Doctor of Education and Master of Social Work at the University of Southern California. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from UC San Diego.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO GCC?

Glendale Community College is dedicated and innovative in ways that support and prepare students for excellence. This commitment extends beyond the borders of the college and is ingrained in the community, which has been exceptionally welcoming to me as a newcomer. It is this opportunity to expand on the college’s reputation and success and the ability to join the Board in its leadership of this great institution that drew me to GCC.

WHAT PHYSICAL CAMPUS CHANGES ARE TAKING PLACE?

GCC has a newly-renovated Kinesiology and Athletic Complex that provides top-of-the-line training facilities to our athletes, students, and community members. We’re nearing completion of our state-of-the-art new Science Building. We’re actively improving energy efficiency throughout GCC’s campus buildings with the Central Plant. Our Garfield parking lot has recently been expanded, and additional facilities have been added to enhance allied health programming for those looking for exciting careers.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE?

GCC has a proud history with nearly 100 years of service to the community. We will continue to build on this history by connecting our Tradition with Innovation. The nation and our communities are facing great change and we must continue to find ways to adapt and best meet the needs of our students and communities. We will challenge each other to find novel ways to continue building a premier learning institution known for leading the way through innovation.

WHAT IS GCC'S VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY?

GCC is a resource for all. We are the third largest feeder to USC, with 75% of our UC applicants being accepted into the UC system and an 85% acceptance rate for our students who apply to the CSU system. GCC provides college courses to high schools, STEM programming to elementary schools, and collaborates with GUSD across the curriculum. We have been able to create life-changing opportunities from gifts received through our Capital Campaign initiative, and with increased support, we will be able to extend our reach even further.

WHY DO STUDENTS & FACULTY CHOOSE GCC?