Dr. Erik Woodbury is a Chemistry Instructor currently serving as the Academic Senate President at De Anza College ? a dual identity that exemplifies the faculty-leader model essential to community college excellence. With more than 20 years of classroom experience informing his approach to faculty governance, Erik has demonstrated that effective institutional leadership emerges from deep understanding of the teaching and learning experience that supports student success. Since assuming the Academic Senate presidency in 2023, following a year as Vice President, he has championed initiatives that advance both academic excellence and social justice, demonstrating that these values are inseparable in effective educational leadership. Leadership and Institutional Impact As Senate President, Erik has guided De Anza through critical institutional decisions while ensuring faculty voice remains central to college governance. His advocacy has produced tangible results: equitable distribution of bond funding for capital projects across the district, increased compensation for Academic Senate officers and part-time faculty representatives, and successful resolutions supporting undocumented and LGBTQ+ students and staff. This work culminated in April 2025 when the District Board declared Foothill-De Anza a sanctuary district?a significant achievement that reflects Erik's commitment to protecting vulnerable communities in an increasingly challenging political climate. Erik also serves as tri-chair of De Anza's Resource Allocation and Program Planning Committee, where he helps ensure that budget decisions align with the college's educational mission and equity commitments. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and persistent advocacy for faculty agency in academic and professional matters. Curriculum Innovation and Transformation Before assuming the Senate presidency, Erik spent seven years (2017-2024) as faculty co-chair of De Anza's Curriculum Committee, a role that positioned him at the intersection of state policy, local implementation, and educational innovation. Under his leadership, the committee successfully navigated an unprecedented wave of legislative changes including AB 705/1705, AB 928, AB 1111, and the introduction of ethnic studies requirements to the transfer GE pattern?all while managing the massive shift to online instruction during the pandemic and a change in the local curriculum management system. Erik's approach to curriculum leadership went beyond compliance. He envisioned and implemented a new meeting structure and workflow for the committee that increased throughput, efficiency, and committee member engagement and satisfaction. This restructuring demonstrated his ability to improve processes even amid crisis, maintaining momentum as he notes that "it never rains, but it pours in Curriculum." Statewide Engagement and Vision Erik has been an active and vocal participant in Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) events and governance, currently serving on the Executive Committee of the organization as one of the North Area Representatives. Known for his thoughtful amendments, resolutions, and frequent presence at the parliamentary microphone, he is deeply invested in representing the needs and views of local senates at the state level. His engagement reflects a fundamental belief that developing stronger community across all California community colleges?both locally and statewide?is a cornerstone of progress and academic excellence. Several issues command Erik's particular attention in the statewide arena. He is passionate about strengthening protections and support for undocumented, international/immigrant, and LGBTQ+ faculty and students, as well as other groups facing increased targeting. He actively engages with the ongoing Common Course Numbering (CCN) project, advocates for greater faculty recognition for statewide service, and contributes to critical conversations about AI's role in the future of community college education. In each of these areas, Erik brings both practical implementation experience and a commitment to equity-centered policy development. Teaching Excellence and Educational Philosophy Throughout his leadership roles, Erik has maintained his identity as an educator, teaching a wide range of chemistry courses at De Anza College using diverse and inclusive pedagogical approaches that reflect his commitment to student success. His teaching experience spans over two decades, beginning as a part-time faculty member in the Los Rios Community College District while completing his doctorate at UC Davis, followed by positions at West Valley College and Foothill College prior to joining De Anza. Erik's classroom work incorporates various pedagogical and andragogical techniques and modalities, reflecting his understanding that effective teaching requires meeting students where they are and adapting approaches to diverse learning needs. This same flexibility and student-centeredness that characterizes his teaching informs his approach to curriculum design and institutional leadership. He is committed to remaining connected to the classroom experience, ensuring that his governance work remains grounded in the daily realities of teaching and learning. Education and Personal Interests Erik holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from UC Davis with a focus on Organic Chemistry and Nanomaterials and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Bowdoin College in Maine. His academic training in the sciences brings analytical rigor to his leadership work, while his years of teaching experience ground his shared governance decisions in classroom realities and student needs. Outside academia, Erik pursues creative and community-oriented activities that complement his professional work. He is an avid ballroom dancer, sings in his community chorus, and designs escape rooms.