Oleg Bespalov

Oleg Bespalov serves as Dean of Institutional Effectiveness at Moorpark College, where he leads data-backed initiatives to improve student success. Known for his responsiveness, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to innovation, Oleg works closely with faculty and staff to design and scale strategies that expand opportunity and close equity gaps for students.

Prior to joining Moorpark College, Oleg held leadership roles in institutional effectiveness at Taft College, Pierce College, UniversityNow, and the San José-Evergreen Community College District. Earlier in his career, he held research positions at Bridgepoint Education, Temple University, Princeton University, and Educational Testing Service.

At Moorpark College, Oleg has championed a range of innovative programs designed to meet students’ needs and help them succeed. Under his leadership in partnership with the counseling department, the college expanded the Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE), designed for working adults, to include 23 degree and certificate pathways delivered in accelerated eight-week formats. With AB 1705 grant funding, Oleg hired faculty innovation coordinators in math and English, recognizing that meaningful growth would come from faculty leadership and effective teaching practices. Through this work, the college has launched numerous stipend-supported projects that have contributed to increased success rates in both math and English and reductions in equity gaps.

In collaboration with other stakeholders, Oleg has further advanced student support for math and English by scaling up embedded tutors and faculty communities of practice in which faculty receive stipends for working in small groups to improve student success. Additionally, Oleg partnered with the counseling department to lead texting campaigns to alert students to academic renewal opportunities and help change language at the college from “academic probation” to “academic notice,” leading to increases in persistence. He also took part in efforts to advocate at a state level to make this same change in the language. Many of the successes Moorpark College has achieved under Oleg’s leadership have been featured in Inside Higher Ed, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and other publications.

Oleg got a head start on his own college journey through the Bucks County Community College dual enrollment program in Pennsylvania. He later earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration from La Salle University.