Born in Taiwan and graduated from the Department of Journalism at Chinese Culture University, Teresa Dreyfuss has made significant contributions in the American community college system since furthering her studies in the United States in 1976, showcasing professionalism and perseverance.
After obtaining a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of La Verne, Teresa Dreyfuss ventured into the field of education. She taught accounting and business management at Los Angeles City College for a decade and served for over thirty years at Rio Hondo College, a community college, holding key positions such as comptroller, chief financial officer, and vice president of finance, gradually accumulating extensive experience in administration and financial management.
In 2012, when the school’s former president retired, Teresa Dreyfuss took on the role of interim president. She stood out in a nationwide public selection process and officially became the first Chinese-American president of the college the following year. During her seven-year tenure, she spearheaded institutional reforms and infrastructure upgrades, managing a construction budget of up to 300 million dollars, successfully facilitating the campus’s modernization transformation, and establishing a robust financial system.
Located in Whittier, Rio Hondo College serves over 310,000 residents in cities such as Pico Rivera and El Monte. The school has approximately 22,000 students and offers more than 80 associate degrees and 127 vocational certificates, with 30 degrees guaranteeing seamless transfer to the California State University system, showcasing a highly practical-oriented educational approach.
In terms of educational policies, Teresa Dreyfuss advocated for the “Two Years Free Tuition Commitment Program,” enabling more disadvantaged students in Los Angeles County to access higher education. In 2018, she led the college to become one of the first community colleges in the county to implement this policy. Additionally, she actively expanded collaborations with businesses to enhance students’ job competitiveness, facilitated high school and university curriculum alignment, and broadened the coverage of educational resources.
In 2019, Teresa Dreyfuss initially planned to retire, but due to the school’s development needs, the board of directors repeatedly invited her to return. She first resumed her role as president in 2020 and was reappointed for the third time in 2025, continuing to lead campus construction projects worth up to 250 million dollars. Serving as president for the third time is rare in the American higher education sector, highlighting her leadership capabilities and the high level of trust from the school.
Aside from her educational achievements, Teresa Dreyfuss is actively involved in public affairs. She was a member of the Whittier branch of the International Association of Soroptimist International and participated in various Los Angeles County government committees.
Despite her busy schedule in public service, Teresa Dreyfuss has always been dedicated to community welfare, fulfilling the responsibility of educators to give back to society. In 2019, she was recognized as an outstanding woman in the 57th District of California and received numerous accolades in the education sector. That same year, she was also invited to serve as a dignitary in local parades, showcasing her broad influence in the community.
From a Taiwanese student to a leader in American community colleges, Teresa Dreyfuss has exemplified professionalism, integrity, and perseverance in shaping a cross-cultural education paradigm. Her journey not only witnesses the deep cultivation and breakthroughs of Chinese-Americans in the American higher education field but also offers a successful path for future generations to emulate.