Río Hondo College rehires former president Teresa Dreyfuss for a one-year term after the abrupt termination of Marilyn Flores, marking the second time Dreyfuss has stepped in as interim superintendent/president.
Río Hondo College rehires former president Teresa Dreyfuss to guide the Whittier-based institution through another leadership transition. The Board of Trustees approved her appointment for the 2025-2026 academic year while continuing its search for a long-term president, according to official board meeting minutes published in June.
The decision follows the April 10, 2025, termination of Dr. Marilyn Flores’ contract three years ahead of schedule. Board members cited “pending litigation” as the reason for not releasing further details about the removal. Dr. Flores has declined specific comment but indicated she is evaluating legal options. In a statement to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Flores said she was “disappointed by the outcome and exploring appropriate next steps.”
Teresa Dreyfuss previously led Río Hondo College as president from 2017 until her retirement in 2019. She returned in 2020 under similar circumstances when her successor, Arturo Reyes, resigned after an investigation by the Southern California News Group revealed he had reduced his work calendar by 25 days without board approval. Reyes later repaid a portion of his salary before formally stepping down.
Campus Leadership and Programs
College spokesperson Dalilah Davaloz said Dreyfuss will focus on stability, noting her extensive record of leadership during critical periods. Dreyfuss helped the college pivot to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and managed a $250 million Measure A Facilities Program to modernize classrooms and infrastructure.
During her earlier tenure, she also expanded Associate Degrees for Transfer from three programs to 27, strengthening pathways to four-year universities. The Río Promise initiative, launched under her guidance in 2017, has provided two years of free tuition for more than 2,500 first-time students, according to the college’s annual reports.
A Search for Stability
The Board of Trustees is expected to begin interviews for a permanent president later this year. Until then, Dreyfuss will oversee college operations and ensure compliance with state education goals.
Board President Rosaelva Lomeli said in public comments recorded in meeting archives that the reappointment is “the most prudent step to keep momentum on major projects, including student support programs and construction.”
More information about the Board’s decisions and future meetings is available at the Río Hondo College Board of Trustees website. Details about Measure A campus improvements can be found on the Measure A Facilities Program page.
