Meet Randa
Dr. Randa B. Wahbe (she/her/hers) was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley, the eldest child of immigrants from Lebanon and Brazil. From an early age, the values of education and family were deeply ingrained in her upbringing. True to her name, which means “to be of service” in Arabic, Randa has dedicated her entire career to serving others—primarily through her work for over 25 years as a community college teacher and leader in educational planning at the local, state, and national levels.
Randa’s passion for literature and culture led her to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Anthropology from California State University, Los Angeles. Her academic journey then took her on an educational tour across continents, where she immersed herself in various cultures, languages, and educational systems. Driven by a desire to teach at the college level, she pursued a Master’s Degree in Comparative Literature, with a focus on Arabic, French, and Persian literature, from California State University, Fullerton.
After completing her Master’s, Randa began her teaching career in Texas, where she taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at Concordia University. She then returned to the San Gabriel Valley and spent several years as an adjunct faculty member, teaching English at Citrus College, Fullerton College, Glendale Community College, and Pasadena City College. Her dedication and expertise eventually led to a full-time position at Cypress College in the North Orange County Community College District, where she earned tenure as an English professor.
Randa has played a key role in shaping Cypress College’s direction through her service on the President’s Advisory Council, the Planning and Budget Committee, and the Academic Senate. Recognized for her leadership, Dr. Wahbe was elected by her colleagues to Chair the English Department for two consecutive terms, totaling six years. As Coordinator of the Puente Program for ten years, she dedicated herself to supporting historically underserved students in achieving their university transfer goals. Driven by a commitment to making education more accessible and relevant, Randa pursued a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. Her dissertation on multicultural education underscores that students are more likely to succeed when they see themselves reflected in the curriculum.
With a profound understanding of the power of public education, Randa has been an active leader in the Community College Association, the higher education affiliate of the California Teachers Association. In this role, she has consistently advocated for students and teachers at both state and national levels, championing legislation and budget allocations that support public education.
A proud resident of Monrovia for more than 20 years, Randa values the vital role that Citrus College plays in the community. Randa is a CERT graduate and has served as a docent for the Monrovia Historical Society. She is eager to bring her extensive experience and skill set back to her roots, serving the community that shaped her.
As a lifelong advocate for education, Dr. Randa Wahbe is acutely aware of the challenges facing our colleges today. With a proven record of representing community college teachers and students, she is committed to making the most of limited resources to best serve the community, ensuring that every student receives a world-class, affordable education.
