Bio

Dr. Michael L. McClellan has deep and fabled family roots at Chaffey College. In 1957, his paternal grandparents moved their 13 children from rural Texas to California to pursue better life opportunities. In the 1960’s, two of his uncles and several cousins attended Chaffey College. Theophilus “T.C.” McClellan, his uncle, was an all-American (1961-62) record breaking football and track star. In 1963, T.C. also known as the “Fontana Flash” received a football scholarship to Washington State University (WSU). He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from WSU in Mechanical Engineering. Another uncle, Harold Lynn McClellan, was an outstanding two-sport (football and basketball) athlete and captain of the football team. In 1966, Harold Lynn competed against UCLA legend, and future NBA Hall of Famer, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar) in the Earl Sicosky Gymnasium. Harold Lynn, in 1970, became the first African-American coach at Chaffey College.

Dr. McClellan was a former prolific four-sport high school athlete. He accepted a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Oregon. At the U of O, Dr. McClellan was selected as the recipient of the Prince Gary Callison Academic Excellence Award, broke Freedom Bowl records, and his name still appears in the Oregon Football History record books for all-time single season and career top 10 kick-off return averages. During his senior year, an unexpected knee injury, diminished his career aspirations of being drafted and playing in the National Football League. After graduating with two undergraduate degrees, Dr. McClellan turned down a professional Canadian Football League (CFL) contract to play for the British Columbia Lions. Undettered, Dr. McClellan shifted his career focus from professional football to higher education.

Dr. McClellan has earned six educational degrees, four of which are advanced degrees. He received his doctoral degree (Ed.D.) from California State University, Long Beach and authored a dissertation entitled, “Lift Ev’ry Voice” The Resounding Experiences of Black Male Students at a California Community College. Dr. McClellan holds three additional advanced degrees including a Master’s of Science in Physical Education from Azusa Pacific University, a Master’s of Science in Leadership and Management from the University of LaVerne, and a Master’s of Arts in Education and Counseling from the University of Redlands.

Dr. McClellan has amassed more than 20 years of higher education experience in progressive positions involving instructional, programmatic and student services in the California Community Colleges. Dr. McClellan spent 17 successful years at Pasadena City College (PCC) as a tenured counseling faculty leader. He founded and directed the Stan Gray Academic Athletic Zone, a statewide recognized Success Center for Student-Athletes, and a Graduate Internship Program for students pursuing an advanced degree in Counseling. Dr. McClellan was named “California State Counselor of the Year” by the Community College Counselor Advisor Academic Association for Athletics (3C4A). While at PCC, he was also honored as a finalist for the Risser “Outstanding Teacher Award”.

In July 2018, Dr. McClellan was appointed Dean of Instructional Support, Guided Pathways, and Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Athletics at Chaffey College. In this said role, he provided key leadership in the initial launch of the Academic and Career Communities and the Program Maps. Moreover, Dr. McClellan supervised and managed Professional Development, Supplemental Instruction, the Success Centers at all three campuses and the Faculty Success Center. Currently, Dr. McClellan is providing administrative support in a new role as the Dean of Counseling and Enrollment Pathways, and Kinesiology, Nutrition and Athletics. In addition, Dr. McClellan also provides oversight to critical service areas such as Admissions and Records, Financial Aid and the Career and Transfer Center programs.

Dr. McClellan is an active member of the Association of California Community College Administrators (ACCCA), and a graduate of ACCCA’s Mentor, and the Great Deans programs. Dr. McClellan is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

McClellan's have long history at Chaffey College