Interim Dean (Business, Education and Service Industry)

Based in Silicon Valley, Dr. Stevenson directs comprehensive workforce training and university transfer initiatives. In his recent role as division dean for Business & Workforce Development at San Jose City College, he successfully implemented paid internship programs for Building Trades students in healthcare settings, enhanced career-focused Dual Enrollment offerings, and improved access and completion rates in Business Administration and Computer Science transfer pathways.

His leadership philosophy is fundamentally shaped by his background as a Student Services staff member and tenured Communication Studies professor. He emphasizes equity-focused service delivery, implementation of Universal Design for Learning principles in teaching, and utilization of students' cultural wealth as core strategies across his organizational teams.

Originally from South Central Los Angeles, he draws from his life experiences to serve as an inspiring presence among colleagues and community members. "My purpose is to ‘let my light shine’ while celebrating the radiance of others." Raised by teenage parents, he discovered early the significance of faith, community support, and optimism. Currently, he actively participates in initiatives supporting African American/Black transfer students and organizations serving Black gay men, working to challenge existing norms and enhance collective awareness of social dynamics affecting these and other communities.

Dr. J. Edward Stevenson serves as a key advocate for enhancing educational opportunities that promote social and economic advancement among community college students throughout the Bay Area. Following his transfer from Mt. San Antonio College, Dr. Stevenson completed his bachelor's at Azusa Pacific University and Master's at California State University, Northridge, both in Communication Studies. He received his Doctor of Education from California State University, Los Angeles.