Dr. Ray Garcia is presently professor and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at California State University, East Bay. Before joining CSU, he served as dean of a corporate university and chief academic officer in an urban school district. He received his doctorate from the University of Houston. He has published extensively in the area of educational reform sustainability and is a noted speaker and trainer at state and national forums. Dr. Garcia is managing the Center for Research, Equity and Community Engagement, charged with disseminating research addressing root-level factors of the achievement gap in school systems. His work with school leaders focuses on approaches to sustaining school improvement efforts through the optimization of staff commitment. He has been the recipient of the University Council of Educational Administration Excellence Award and has received numerous academic and public honors. Dr. Garcia is involved in various community activities and has served on several boards.