UC Irvine School of Education Announces Dr. Keith Curry, Ed.D. ’11, President of Compton College, as 2024 Commencement Speaker
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Irvine, Calif., May 8, 2024 – The University of California, Irvine School of Education takes immense pride in announcing alumnus Dr. Keith Curry, Ed.D. ’11, President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District (CCCD), as the 2024 commencement speaker. Dr. Curry will address graduates at a joint ceremony for the schools of Education and Physical Sciences on June 14 at the Bren Events Center on the UC Irvine campus.
“Dr. Keith Curry is a visionary and courageous leader with an unwavering dedication to student success. He has been instrumental in transforming postsecondary education and broadening access for historically underrepresented students in California. We are truly honored to have Dr. Curry deliver the keynote address to inspire our Class of 2024,” said Frances Contreras, UC Irvine School of Education dean and professor. Dr. Curry has been at the forefront of advancing educational excellence and innovation throughout his career. In his current roles, he oversees all departments and functions of Compton College and CCCD as president and CEO, respectively, and serves as the secretary for the CCCD Board of Trustees. In addition, he has been a distinguished research fellow and adjunct faculty at the California State University, Los Angeles Charter College of Education since 2021. |
Keith Curry
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Dr. Curry’s contributions to educational equity and community service are underscored by his multiple accolades. These include the 2024 Diverse Champion Award by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine, the 2023 California Conference for Equality and Justice Humanitarian Award, the 2022 California Community Colleges Chief Instructional Officers Equity Champion Award, and 2022 California Legislative Black Caucus Unsung Hero Recognition (35th California Senate District).
Dr. Curry serves as an active member and chair of several prestigious committees and foundations – including the Foundation for Compton Community College District and the Statewide Association of Community Colleges.
His pioneering efforts have led to significant advancements in education equity and access. Dr. Curry is also the co-founder of Black Student Success Week and has chaired the National Panel on Black Student Enrollment. In June 2020, Dr. Curry was invited to serve on the California Higher Education Recovery with Equity Task Force by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s senior policy advisor for higher education, Dr. Lande Ajose. He also established the Keith Curry Undergraduate and Graduate Awards to acknowledge UC Irvine School of Education students who exhibit outstanding academic achievement and perseverance.
Dr. Curry received his doctorate in educational leadership from the UC Irvine School of Education, and a bachelor's degree in American studies from the UC Santa Cruz.
Dr. Curry serves as an active member and chair of several prestigious committees and foundations – including the Foundation for Compton Community College District and the Statewide Association of Community Colleges.
His pioneering efforts have led to significant advancements in education equity and access. Dr. Curry is also the co-founder of Black Student Success Week and has chaired the National Panel on Black Student Enrollment. In June 2020, Dr. Curry was invited to serve on the California Higher Education Recovery with Equity Task Force by California Governor Gavin Newsom’s senior policy advisor for higher education, Dr. Lande Ajose. He also established the Keith Curry Undergraduate and Graduate Awards to acknowledge UC Irvine School of Education students who exhibit outstanding academic achievement and perseverance.
Dr. Curry received his doctorate in educational leadership from the UC Irvine School of Education, and a bachelor's degree in American studies from the UC Santa Cruz.
About the UC Irvine School of Education
The University of California, Irvine School of Education is a diverse, dynamic and collaborative institution focused on advancing education sciences and contributing to improved high-quality education opportunities and outcomes for individuals across the education lifespan, from early childhood to higher education and beyond. The UCI School of Education’s programs, research and community partnerships are dedicated to producing innovative scholarship, addressing the needs in education, and inspiring future generations of educators, scholars and leaders. U.S. News & World Report ranks the UCI School of Education No. 8 among public schools of education and No. 17 graduate school of education. Led by Dean Frances Contreras, the UCI School of Education is home to more than 1,000 students enrolled in the bachelor, master and doctoral degree programs, and a vibrant network of more than 10,000 alumni. For more information, please visit our website.
The University of California, Irvine School of Education is a diverse, dynamic and collaborative institution focused on advancing education sciences and contributing to improved high-quality education opportunities and outcomes for individuals across the education lifespan, from early childhood to higher education and beyond. The UCI School of Education’s programs, research and community partnerships are dedicated to producing innovative scholarship, addressing the needs in education, and inspiring future generations of educators, scholars and leaders. U.S. News & World Report ranks the UCI School of Education No. 8 among public schools of education and No. 17 graduate school of education. Led by Dean Frances Contreras, the UCI School of Education is home to more than 1,000 students enrolled in the bachelor, master and doctoral degree programs, and a vibrant network of more than 10,000 alumni. For more information, please visit our website.
