Menu
Message from the Chancellor | De Anza College Leadership
March 17, 2026
Dear Foothill-De Anza College Community, 
 
I am writing to share an important update regarding leadership at De Anza College. 
 
President Dr. Omar Torres has requested leave through June 30, 2026. During this period, I will be providing direct oversight as the administrator in charge and ensure continuity, stability, and ongoing progress for the college. 
 
De Anza College has long been defined by the strength of its community, and I have great confidence in the leadership, faculty, and staff who serve our students every day. We will move through this period with steady leadership, clear communication, and a shared commitment to our mission. 
 
I recognize that moments like this can create uncertainty, but there are also opportunities. Please know that the college’s operations will continue as usual, and our focus remains on supporting our students, faculty, and staff, and sustaining the strong work already underway across campus. 
 
Thank you for all that you do to support our students and one another. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Lee
 
Lee D. Lambert
Chancellor and CEO
Foothill-De Anza Community College District
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022-4599
650.949.6100
650.941.1638 (fax)
Executive Assistant: Carla Maitland
 
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited.