Dr. Michael J. Kasler — who learned English as a second language, stocked grocery-store shelves in one of his first jobs, and later became Cypress College president — is spending his final day on campus prior to retirement.
An unwavering advocate of students, Dr. Kasler was focused on their success throughout his 38 years in education. He enters retirement after 20 years at Cypress College.
Dr. Kasler assumed the presidency at Cypress College on July 1, 2007. In that role he is responsible for all aspects of the college’s instructional programs and services as well as ensuring that the college is meeting the needs of the communities it serves.
Dr. Kasler served the K-12 educational system for 18 years as a teacher, principal at Fountain Valley High School, and later as an assistant superintendent. He also taught courses at several southern California colleges from 1973 to 1992 as an adjunct faculty member.
In 1992, he came to Cypress College as Dean of Business and Computer Information Systems. In 1994 he was chosen to be the Interim Vice President of Instruction, then became Dean of Instructional Services and served from 1995 to 1999. In 1999, he was selected as the Executive Vice President for Educational Programs and Student Services and held that position until becoming President.
Dr. Kasler’s academic credentials include an Ed.D. in Institutional Management from Pepperdine University, two masters of science degrees, one in School Administration from Pepperdine University and the other in Business Administration, Marketing/Management from California State University, Long Beach, and a bachelor of arts in Economics from California State University, Long Beach.
His community involvement includes service on the Board of the Anaheim YMCA and Rotary Club of Cypress. He is an active member of the Cypress Chamber of Commerce and serves on the boards of the Cypress College Foundation and Cypress College Patrons of the Arts. He is also an active participant on the California Community Colleges CEO Board.
Dr. Kasler has been a member of several accrediting teams for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges as well as serving in a variety of professional organizations such as the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA) and the state Executive Board for Chief Instructional Officers. He presented professional development workshops for the Association of California School Administrators/California School Leadership Academy and California State University Fullerton and has spoken on enrollment management at the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and State Chancellor’s Conference.
Dr. Kasler and his wife, Jana, have lived in Huntington Beach for more than 35 years. They have two daughters and five grandchildren.