Chancellor Torence Powell

Dr. Torence Powell was appointed as the tenth chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District in July 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, a first-generation community college student and the first person in his family to graduate from college, has a long history of higher education experience in both community college and university settings.

Dr. Powell began his higher education journey at CRC as a dual enrollment student from Las Flores Independent Study high school in South Sacramento. He attributes much of his professional success to the outstanding culture of care he experienced as a community college student.

Prior to becoming chancellor, Dr. Powell served as the tenth superintendent/president for Napa Valley College from 2022 to 2026. Before his time in Napa, he worked at the Los Rios district office as associate vice chancellor of instruction and as an interim vice president. Prior to his time at the district office, Dr. Powell worked for CRC as the dean of communication, visual and performing arts; and associate vice president of instruction and student learning. He also worked in the university environment, holding administrative and teaching positions at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, and at the University of Redlands in Redlands, California.

"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 holds a bachelor's degree in social science with a minor in history from Cal State, Los Angeles. He also earned two master's degrees – one in educational leadership from the University of Redlands and another in urban planning from the University of Washington in Seattle. Dr. Powell earned his Ed.D. in educational leadership at UC Davis. In addition to his CEO role, Dr. Powell serves on the boards of multiple Sacramento-based non-profits and teaches part time in the E.D. program at Cal Poly.