Las Positas College has promoted Nan Ho from dean of science, technology, engineering and mathematics to become the community college's new vice president of academic services.

The appointment -- approved by the Chabot-Las Positas Community College Board of Trustees on May 16 -- reflects Ho's "exceptional dedication to the LPC community and her 27 years of exemplary leadership and administrative service," according to a statement from the school announcing the promotion.

"I am honored and excited to take on this new role at Las Positas College," Ho said. "I look forward to working closely with our outstanding faculty, administrators, classified professionals and students to strengthen our academic programs, enhance student success initiatives and continue to create an inclusive learning environment where everyone can thrive."

In this new role, Ho succeeds Kristina Whalen who left LPC earlier this year to take on the position as president of Foothill College in Los Altos Hills.

With an extensive background in education, Ho brings a wealth of experience to her new role, according to LPC officials. She has contributed to various transfer, career technical education and credit and noncredit programs. Ho has also fostered a culture of excellence and innovation among the team of more than 130 faculty and classified professionals that she's overseen.

As vice president of academic services, Ho's primary responsibilities will include managing all aspects of academic programs, curriculum development, student support services and faculty development initiatives. Ho will also collaborate closely with the college's administration, faculty and classified professionals.

"Dr. Nan Ho has been an invaluable asset to Las Positas College, and we are thrilled to see her take on this new leadership role," LPC President Dyrell Foster said in a statement. "Her passion for education, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to our students make her the perfect choice for LPC's vice president of academic services. We have full confidence in her ability to advance our academic programs and support our community's educational needs."

Throughout her career, Ho has cultivated relationships across the community and region, collaborating with educational institutions, industry leaders, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, according to LPC officials. Her commitment to equity and opportunity has secured extensive grant funding, including LPC's first-ever National Science Foundation grant.

She has helped lead and facilitate transformative initiatives at LPC, including Guided Pathways and Assembly Bill 705, both of which focus on equity and student success.

Her teaching, research and leadership abilities have been recognized through a number of awards such as the Chancellor's Award, which she earned on three separate occasions.

Additionally, she was acknowledged as the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty awardee and three-time recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award -- all bestowed upon her by students.

Ho holds a doctorate of organizational change and leadership from the University of Southern California. She also earned master's and bachelor's degrees in biological science from Stanford University.

Beyond the classroom, Ho has also served in various leadership positions such as department coordinator, committee chair, grievance officer for the Faculty Association, president of the Administrators' Association and faculty advisor to student clubs and the Beta Beta Beta Honor Society.