About the Candidate
Meet Dr. Syed "Tony" Shah
Community Advocate · Candidate for Delta College Board of Trustees
Rooted in This Community. Educated to Lead.
Born and raised in Lodi and a proud product of the Lodi Unified School District, Dr. Tony Shah competed as a student-athlete in football at Lodi High School, San Joaquin Delta College, and Sacramento State. As the first in his family to attend college, he overcame barriers to earn an Associate of Arts degree from San Joaquin Delta College, a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Sacramento State, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of the Pacific.
For over 26 years, Dr. Shah served as an educator and administrator committed to strengthening schools, expanding access to higher education, and promoting equity so every student—regardless of background or circumstance—had the opportunity to thrive.
Delta College changed his life. Now he's running to make sure it does the same for every student who walks through its doors.
What Drives Him
Core Values & Qualifications
Doctorate in Educational Leadership
First in his family to attend college, Dr. Shah earned his A.A. from Delta College, his Bachelor's in Psychology from Sacramento State, and his Ed.D. from the University of the Pacific — starting right here at Delta.
Lodi Born & Raised
A proud product of Lodi Unified School District, Dr. Shah attended K–12 in Lodi and competed as a student athlete at Lodi High School, Delta College, and Sacramento State. His roots in this community run deep.
26 Years as an Educator
Dr. Shah dedicated 26 years to public education — including 20 years in school site and district administrative leadership. He knows what students need and what it takes to lead with purpose and integrity.
Bold Leadership & Integrity
Dr. Shah brings transparency, integrity, and bold leadership to everything he does. He believes education is foundational to our economy, society, and democracy.
His Journey
Background & Experience
Lodi Unified School District
Born and raised in Lodi, Dr. Shah attended Lodi Unified schools from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Student Athlete — Lodi High, Delta College & Sacramento State
Dr. Shah competed in football at Lodi High School, San Joaquin Delta College, and California State University, Sacramento.
A.A. Transfer Degree — San Joaquin Delta College
Dr. Shah earned his Associate of Arts transfer degree from Delta College before transferring to Sacramento State, where he earned his Bachelor's in Psychology.
Doctor of Educational Leadership — University of the Pacific
Dr. Shah holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of the Pacific, equipping him with the expertise to lead at the highest levels of educational governance.
Educator & Administrator
Dr. Shah served 26 years in public education — 20 of those in school site and district administrative leadership — before retiring with a deep understanding of what students and communities need.
Running for Delta College Board of Trustees
Motivated by a lifelong belief that education is the foundation of a strong economy and democracy, Dr. Shah is running to bring bold leadership and integrity to the Delta College Board.
Why Delta College
Delta College Changed Lives. Dr. Shah Wants to Protect That.
For tens of thousands of students every year, Delta College is the gateway to a better future — a four-year university, a skilled trade, a new career, or a second chance.
Dr. Shah is running because the Board must be filled with people who understand education, respect students, and hold the institution accountable to its mission.