College District appoints vice chancellor

Posted on: Oct 26, 2021 12:00:00 AM
In: District
Featured
Contact: Della Elliott della.elliott@gcccd.edu

 Sahar Abushaban, a veteran administrator with the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, has received permanent appointment as Vice Chancellor-Business Services following a two-year interim term.

Her selection to the post, announced by Chancellor Lynn Neault, is effective Nov. 1.

Abushaban brings to the role substantial experience in public education budgeting and administration, including 15 years with the college district. She first began at the district in 2006 as a financial analyst, and went on to serve as Interim Director of District Business Services. She was appointed Associate Vice Chancellor-Business Services in 2011. She then served as Vice President of Administrative Services at Cuyamaca College for five years before returning to District Services.

A community college alumna, Abushaban then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from San Diego State University and a master’s in accountancy from National University.

“We are fortunate to have someone with such a keen understanding of budget complexities, as well as a commitment to community college education and diversity and inclusion of students and employees,” Neault said. “Her longstanding service to the district and the colleges provide a deep knowledge, as well as  trust and collegiality among colleagues that will make a significant difference in this important leadership role.”

Abushaban’s 30-year career in budget and financial analyses has taken her from the private sector to public sector jobs with multiple education systems. She worked in high school education at the Grossmont Union High School District, in community colleges at the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District and in the University of California system at UC San Diego.

"I am very excited about my permanent post. As a veteran employee of 16 years with the college district, I have a solid grasp of financial management and operations," Abushaban said. "Under the direction of the Governing Board and the chancellor, I look forward to continuing to work with both colleges to provide optimum service to ensure fiscal accountability, a structurally balanced budget, sound fiscal management and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion."

Abushaban sees state funding and responding to the great need for facilities improvement and renovation as the district's biggest challenges.

" We have always had to deal with the reality that community colleges are the lowest funded in the state’s public education system, from K-12, California state universities to the UC’s," she said. " Regarding facilities, we continue to face the difficult task of meeting technology and student needs in aging buildings sorely in need of modernization. With the support of East County voters, we have dramatically changed our campuses with construction funded by Propositions R and V and we are deeply grateful for the public’s support. However, the needs persist."