Miami Dade College taps Nestor Pereira for expanded academic leadership role

Miami Dade College named Nestor Pereira vice provost for academic affairs and learning technologies, effective Sept. 21, 2026. He will oversee academic affairs and educational programs across the college while continuing to lead MDC Online and its learning technology work.

Why it matters: - Miami Dade College is putting one leader in charge of both academic affairs and learning technologies as it pushes ahead on its MDC 2030 Strategic Plan. - The move ties academic operations more directly to the college’s digital-learning strategy across all eight campuses.

What happened: - Miami Dade College appointed Nestor Pereira as vice provost for academic affairs and learning technologies, effective Sept. 21, 2026. - Pereira was selected through a competitive internal search. - Pereira will oversee academic affairs and educational programs college-wide while continuing to lead MDC Online. - Pereira has led MDC Online since 2022.

The details: - Pereira joined Miami Dade College in 2020 as vice provost for academic and learning technologies. - Since 2022, Pereira has provided executive leadership for MDC Online and the college’s academic technology strategy across all eight campuses. - Under Pereira’s leadership, Miami Dade College completed a college-wide transition to Canvas. - Pereira also oversaw the deployment of LUCY, the college’s AI-driven student success and coaching platform. - Pereira is leading a roadmap to bring MDC’s digital academic materials into accessibility compliance. - Pereira has more than 25 years of experience across K-12 and higher education, including executive leadership in the Florida College System. - Miami Dade College recognized Dr. Michaela Tomova, who held the role for the past five years, for her service and contributions to the college’s academic enterprise. - MDC Online offers students flexible degree and certificate options, with courses taught by expert faculty. - MDC Online says the program is designed to help learners balance work and life while pursuing education and career goals.

Between the lines: - The appointment suggests Miami Dade College wants tighter alignment between instructional leadership, online learning and education technology. - Naming an internal leader may signal continuity as the college works through technology, accessibility and student-success priorities.

What's next: - Pereira will continue overseeing MDC Online while taking on broader academic responsibilities across the college. - Miami Dade College will keep advancing its academic excellence and student success goals under the MDC 2030 Strategic Plan. - The accessibility roadmap for digital academic materials remains a key part of the college’s next phase.

The bottom line: - Miami Dade College is expanding Pereira’s portfolio at a time when online learning, AI tools and accessibility are increasingly central to campus strategy.