Dr. Art Pimentel has been appointed the fourth president of Folsom Lake College by the Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees. He will begin his tenure at Folsom Lake College on January 9, 2023.
With over 17 years of higher education experience, Pimentel’s extensive background includes leadership of student and instructional services, fiscal management, marketing, community outreach, enrollment management, facilities management, government relations, and institutional and strategic planning. This also marks a return to Los Rios where he previously worked for five years within the district including serving as the Dean for Sacramento City College’s West Sacramento Center and as the district’s Interim Director of Educational Services and Student Success.
Pimentel most recently served as President of Woodland Community College. Under his leadership, Woodland Community College increased its student retention rates by over 5% since 2019, increased enrollment by 9% post-pandemic, began construction on the college’s $42 million performing arts and culinary services building, expanded behavioral health services through a partnership with Yolo County, and developed strong partnerships with all K-12 districts in the college’s service area to expand dual enrollment and career exploration opportunities.
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Dr. Pimentel back to Los Rios and to Folsom Lake College,” said Brian King, Chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District. “Dr. Pimentel brings a wealth of skill and expertise to the presidency, and a deep commitment to the students of our region. I can’t wait to see the great things that FLC will accomplish under Art’s leadership.”
Pimentel earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from California State University, Sacramento; his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from California State University, Sacramento; and his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from the University of California, Davis.
In addition to his career in higher education, Pimentel has been active within the community. He was elected to the Woodland City Council and served from 2004-2008, elected Mayor of Woodland in 2008 and served from 2008-2012, and served on the Woodland Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees in 2014. He also served as the Chairman for the Yolo County Transportation District, Yolo-Solano Air Quality District, and the Cleaner Air Partnership of Sacramento.
“I look forward to joining the Folsom Lake College family and working with college staff and faculty to continue the important work of increasing access to higher education by focusing on closing equity gaps and improving student achievement,” shared Pimentel.
Pimentel will succeed Dr. Whitney Yamamura who departed Folsom Lake College in August 2022 to serve as Chancellor of the Coast Community College District in Costa Mesa, CA. Retired Folsom Lake College President Dr. Rachel Rosenthal has been serving as Interim President since Dr. Yamamura’s departure while the college and district conducted the comprehensive nationwide search process. The community will have the opportunity to welcome Dr. Pimentel at events this spring.