Foothill-De Anza Community College District Chancellor Lee Lambert assumed leadership of De Anza College on March 17, following college president Omar Torres’ absence.

In an email, Lambert wrote that he would “be providing direct oversight” through June 30. The message does not appear on the college’s page for “Messages from the President.”

“We will move through this period with steady leadership,” Lambert wrote. “Moments like this can create uncertainty, but there are also opportunities.”

Before Lambert, Vice President of Instruction Ram Subramaniam assumed the position on March 9.

“I look forward to supporting our campus community in President Torres’ absence,” Subramaniam wrote in an email. “We all wish him well during this time.”

Lambert’s email did not specify a reason for Torres’ leave.

Lambert also wrote that he would host a town hall in Conference Rooms A and B in the Hinson Campus Center on Tuesday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with a Zoom option available.

“The college’s operations will continue as usual,” Lambert wrote. “De Anza College has long been defined by the strength of its community.”