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Leadership Studies Faculty Spotlight: Richard Molloy
Courses Taught at Cal Poly Humboldt: LDRS 321: Data-Driven Leadership and LDRS 331: Leadership Communication
Richard Molloy, one of the Leadership Studies founding faculty members, brings decades of leadership, service, and educational experience to his work at Elsie Allen High School in Santa Rosa. Before entering education, Mr. Molloy served for 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, retiring in 2014 with the rank of Commander. During his distinguished military career, he held several key leadership positions, including Chief of Training in Petaluma, Chief of Mission Support Branch at FORCECOM, and Chief of Inspections in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Mr. Molloy earned his master’s degree in education from San Diego State University and now teaches AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), AP Macroeconomics, AP Government, Economics, and Government at Elsie Allen High School, a Title I school serving a diverse student population in Santa Rosa.
AVID is a nationally recognized program dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing students for college readiness and success in a global society. The program primarily supports students in the academic middle — students who are highly capable of success but often lack access to the academic support systems, organizational strategies, and mentorship needed to fully reach their potential.
When asked about the role that AVID plays at Elsie Allen High School, Mr. Molloy noted, “AVID is meeting the needs of my students by providing them with the academic and organizational skills necessary to be successful in rigorous high school and college-level coursework. Many of my students are capable and motivated but need structured support in areas such as focused note-taking, time management, collaboration, inquiry, and self-advocacy. AVID gives students a framework for developing these skills in a consistent and meaningful way. The program also helps create a college-going culture where students begin to see higher education as an attainable goal.”
Mr. Molloy credits his experiences in the Coast Guard as guiding his future professions. “My career in the Coast Guard helped me develop leadership, discipline, adaptability, and a strong sense of service — qualities that directly support my work in AVID and in the classroom. The Coast Guard taught me the importance of teamwork, accountability, and maintaining high expectations while also supporting the people around you. Working in high-pressure situations strengthened my communication and problem-solving skills, which are especially valuable when working with high school students from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs. I learned how to mentor individuals, build trust, and lead by example. These experiences help me create a structured, supportive, and student-centered classroom environment. The Coast Guard also reinforced the importance of perseverance and lifelong learning, and I strive to model those qualities for my students every day as I help prepare them for college, careers, and leadership opportunities beyond high school.”
In addition to his teaching at Elsie Allen High School, Mr. Molloy has taught the Data-Driven Leadership and Leadership Communication courses since 2015, continuing his commitment to developing future leaders both inside and outside the classroom.
