Nationally Renowned Superintendent Joins LMU as Executive-in-Residence

Distinguished educational leader and AUHSD visionary Mike Matsuda brings decades of transformative experience and expertise to LMU School of Education

The LMU School of Education (SOE) has appointed Mike Matsuda to the inaugural role of Executive in Residence. A nationally recognized leader and recently retired superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD), Matsuda joins LMU following a career defined by innovation, community-driven leadership, and a deep commitment to public education.

During a successful 12-year tenure at AUHSD-one of Southern California's largest and most diverse districts-Matsuda focused on re-imagining the student experience for more than 29,000 students. His work in high school redesign and instructional transformation earned widespread acclaim, including Education Week's "Leaders to Learn From" Award, the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Administrator of the Year, and the California Association of Asian and Pacific Leaders in Education (CAAPLE) Superintendent of the Year.

In this new role at SOE, Matsuda will leverage his extensive experience to support the school in deepening the value and effectiveness of its partnerships with area schools and districts. A specialist in research-practice collaboration, he previously founded the Anaheim Collaborative, a recognized model for leveraging higher education expertise to improve K-12 districts.

"Mike Matsuda has a stellar track record as a visionary educational leader in California," said SOE Dean Estela Zarate. "His knowledge and expertise will enhance LMU's ability to empower our partner schools and districts to thrive, and to prepare the next generation of educators to lead with courage, insight, and a deep sense of purpose."

His influence extends into the academic world through his books, including Educating for a Purposeful Life (Harvard Press) and a new title, The Future of Public Education (Corwin).

Matsuda holds a B.A. in English from UCLA, a Master's in Public Administration from USC, and credentials from Chapman University and CSU Fullerton.