Ned Doffoney, Ed.D.

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10/24/22

The North Orange County Community College District has received the news that former Chancellor Ned Doffoney passed away this weekend at his home in Los Alamitos. We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful family, friends, and colleagues throughout the U.S.

Born in racially segregated Louisiana, Dr. Ned Doffoney was a champion of community college students for over 40 years. In his professional career, he served in a number of groundbreaking roles, including: being the founding President and Chancellor of South Louisiana Community College, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Los Angeles City College, Dean of Academic Affairs for Los Angeles Southwest College, President of Saddleback College, and President of Fresno City College. He served as Chancellor at NOCCCD from 2008 to 2015. After his retirement, he was a sought-after professor and lecturer, sharing his wisdom with students at Cal State University, San Bernardino and Cal State University, Fullerton in their Educational Leadership Programs.

During his tenure at NOCCCD, Dr. Doffoney was known as a change agent and strategic pioneer. His achievements at our District included: the development of the first District-wide Educational and Facilities Master Plan; the first accreditation for the School of Continuing Education (now North Orange Continuing Education); fiscal stewardship through a massive recession; establishing the Educational Services and Technology department; and various philanthropic endeavors including a 2012 trip to the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince after a catastrophic earthquake in order to deliver computers for displaced students. One of his most important contributions to our District was the vision and determination to expand our programs and facilities that led to the passage of Measure J in 2014—a $574 million bond to improve and update facilities across NOCCCD in order to prepare a 21st century workforce.

Dr. Doffoney's last trip to the District was during the 2021 Grand Opening of the Cypress College Science, Engineering and Math building and Veteran's Resource Center, both the result of Measure J funds. His pride in the realization of those new spaces for students was palpable as he toured the two state-of-the-art facilities and visited with friends and colleagues. His contributions to and leadership of NOCCCD truly cannot be measured, but this District would not be where it is today without his intellect, talent, empathy, and passion.

In his 2011 Commencement address, Dr. Doffoney referenced a 1976 speech given by then-Congresswoman Barbara Jordan of Texas, in which she pondered: "Who then will speak for the common good? ... For all of its uncertainty, we cannot flee the future … We must address and master the future together." Dr. Doffoney, of course, had an answer to these musings, stating: "I know for sure that what we do at our institutions is a direct response to the Congresswoman's plaintive words. By its very definition, public education is working toward the common good, and these graduates are the ones who will address and master the future—together. Let us continue to celebrate the manner wherein we foster community, for it is truly the great promise of public education, the great commission of the community college, and the great resolve of the North Orange County Community College District."

Thank you, Ned, for your love, laughter, stories, and service. You will be missed.

The Doffoney family appreciates everyone's prayers and patience during this time. Service information will be forthcoming. If you would like to make a donation to Dr. Doffoney's fund in support of student scholarships, click here.