2021 Retiree Recognition

Chief Executive Officers of California Community Colleges

2021 Retiree Recognition 2020 – 2021 RETIREES NABIL S. ABU-GHAZALEH LORETTA P. ADRIAN THOMAS J. BURKE CONSTANCE M. CARROLL JOEL L. KINNAMON OTTO W. K. LEE DENA P. MALONEY CHERYL A. MARSHALL KINDRED I. MURILLO PAUL PARNELL MONTE E. PEREZ GERALDINE M. PERRI LINDA D. ROSE STUART VAN H ORN

COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Thomas J. Burke Chancellor Kern CCD Retiring June 2021

Ensuring ongoing continuance of College and District operations during the COVID 19 pandemic; Implementation of the new Vision for Success Goals and Student Centered funding formula; Helping to secure approval of a co-located college center on CSU Bakersfield campus; Initiating a District Management staff development training program on equity, equality, diversity, racism, and inclusion; Entering into new Working Learner Innovation Alliance with Calbright; Entering into collaborative MOU to explore common uses/deployments of Ellucian’s Banner 9 program; Successful reaffirmation of accreditation; Assisted in the formation of the Kern Education Pledge collaboration between all county Educational entities.

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs?

o Leader Do’s o Leader Don’ts • Lead by Example • Ask permission • Ask why…challenge the status quo • Fear risk, Micro-manage, Say I, Say • Plan, create a vision, be optimistic We • Celebrate accomplishments • Ask of others what you do not ask of yourself Finally, the former President of Bakersfield College shared these o Also, always sage words of wisdom with me: “remember when you’re the • Be honest and ethical leader of an organization, if you want a friend ---- get a dog!”

• Hire people who are smarter than you are

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud of the leadership role I played in the initiation and passage of SB 850 in 2014, which established a pilot program for community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in workforce fields. I am continuing to work on this project, from the extension of the pilot program to the introduction of legislation this year to expand this opportunity to all California community colleges. The community college baccalaureate is a bold new direction for community colleges in addressing workforce needs, student access, affordability, and the economy.

Constance M. Carroll Chancellor San Diego CCD Retiring June 2021

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs? My advice to CEOs can best be summed up in the phrase, “it’s all about relationships.” From members of the governing board to the faculty and staff to students and to the community, community college CEOs must have effective relationships to draw upon in supporting institutional goals and solving problems. Without a foundation of excellent relationships, even the most worthwhile projects and decisions can easily fail. Establishing effective relationships and nurturing them through good communication are ultimately the name of the game.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Serving the Coachella Valley’s community college has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime. The college has expanded academic programs, services, and facilities. More importantly, we have significantly increased student access to higher education. Full-time enrollment has increased by fifty-percent, attributed primarily to the plEDGE program offering all high school graduates free tuition for two years. And the college has celebrated record-breaking graduation rates for the sixth straight year.

I am also proud of our collective efforts that have improved student success outcomes and resulted in national awards for our academic programs, governance, and planning processes. In the end, as to what matters most is the knowledge that we have positively changed the lives of our students and their families!

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs?

Joel L. Kinnamon Superintendent/President College of the Desert Retiring March 2021

You are the key visionaries in the communities you serve. Your futuristic initiatives will create the opportunities for your students necessary for the economic and cultural vitality of your community.

The future requires our commitment to the historical foundations of our institutions that are essential in order to frame the relevance, stability, and innovative nature of our comprehensive Community Colleges.

Stay true to your roots. Be a bold leader. Do not allow yourself to get lost in the “noise” that we face daily. Don’t take yourself too seriously and remember to have fun.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the LA Harbor College family uniting to take care of our students, their families, and our community during this pandemic.

All of us stood side-by-side to provide encouragement, food, and donations to meet the basic needs of our community. And we continued to inspire and prepare our students to achieve their educational goals. We are so proud of our graduates in the essential workforce fields such as nursing as they enthusiastically and passionately embarked on their careers.

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs? Reflect and treasure every interaction with your students. There stands the next President, Nobel Prize winner, or Academy Award recipient.

Otto W. K. Lee President Los Angeles Harbor College Retired January 2021

COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Dena P. Maloney Superintendent/President El Camino College Retiring July 2021

I am most proud of the teamwork we have developed to serve our students and solve institutional problems. The work we do is so gratifying. It is mission-driven and transformative work. Seeing creativity in action – whether it is a new program or a new facility that will transform learning – is really exciting to me. I hope that some of the accomplishments we have achieved at El Camino College will remain in place after I retire. We are developing a public safety training center to support emergency responders in the South Bay; we are planning a new Talent Development Center for the space industry in partnership with Red Rocks Community College in Colorado, and we have plans for a new faculty learning academy to ensure a more culturally responsive curriculum.

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs? It is easy to feel alone and isolated as a CEO. Don’t let that happen to you! Be sure to pay attention to your relationships and form new bonds with fellow CEOs. Find folks who understand the challenges and support one another in the journey. And despite the many challenges that come with these positions, always remember that you and your institutions are doing good work for your students and your communities. Have fun and remember to laugh!

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I take pride in the fact that I have been a transparent, collaborative, and student-centered leader in all of my roles. The opportunity to serve as a mentor and coach for the next generation of leaders has been very gratifying. The program I am proudest of is establishing the North Orange Promise which has now served nearly 8,000 students.

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs?

Cheryl A. Marshall Chancellor North Orange County CCD Retiring September 2021

First and foremost, stay focused on students and ask yourself, “Is this good for students? This simple question helps navigate the politics and complicated problems we face. Take time to reflect on your leadership and build self-awareness. Seek feedback and advice from trusted colleagues and mentors. Because of the heightened awareness about social justice, take advantage of the opportunity and be courageous in addressing equity and racial justice issues.

Remember that having fun is important and will re-energize you.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am proud of recruiting, hiring, and growing outstanding equityfocused leaders and the ability to move a college to a more equityfocused, student-centered environment.

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs? The advice I give is to always be a learner, stay in curiosity, and hire a diverse, competent group of leaders who have skills that you don’t. It changes the conversation, and you make better decisions.

Kindred I. Murillo Superintendent/President Southwestern College Retiring March 2021

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

It has been my pleasure to see such tremendous success for all of our 68,000 students. It has been possible, as a result of a dedicated group of faculty, staff, and managers with great support from our communities, to change the lives of our students for good citizenship, needed careers, and prosperity in our community through Excellence in Education.

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs? Be Yourself, be honest, listen as much as you can, say I don’t know when you don’t know, select the best people, empower people/give them permission to show their strengths and treat others as you want to be treated (oh and have some fun with friends at work).

Paul Parnell Chancellor State Center CCD Retiring July 2021

COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud that in my ten years as the President of Los Angeles Mission College, we accomplished the unity of purpose and relations that fostered strong shared governance participation and moved the campus to establish quality academic and career/technical programs for the diversity of our students in our service area. The college promoted strong community relations in Northeast San Fernando Valley and is proud of one of our own from Pacoima, Alex Padilla, who is now a United States Senator.

Monte E. Perez President Los Angeles Mission College Retiring June 2021

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs? There are several key elements to flourishing as a CEO. Some of these elements include patience, listening to students and all stakeholders, and never make a major decision without sufficient quiet time to consider all ramifications. Also, always involve those that a decision will affect and be sure to have a healthy and well-balanced personal life.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

An accomplishment of great pride stems back to my early days as a community college educator in the South Bronx of New York City. I was challenged with preparing a class of graduating dental hygiene students for their national board exam. Unfortunately, the pass rate of earlier classes was abysmally low. Eager, motivated and passionate, I embraced the challenge and created an intensive national board review class. One hundred percent of the students passed the exam, and a parade was held in the Bronx to celebrate this college milestone.

From that point, I knew there was no turning back - my professional career was solidly launched as a community college educator and leader.

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs?

Geraldine M. Perri I would humbly offer these words of advice, which have helped me Superintendent/President throughout my close to 40-year professional career: o Approach others with an open mind and heart – take the time to listen!

Citrus College o Keep your focus on your purpose and passion – students come first!

Retiring July 2021

o Seek solutions that unite – collaboration and compromise are a winning combination! o Have a sense of humor – laughter is the universal language! o Have the courage to stand up to your convictions – let your voice be heard! o Do all you do to the highest of professional standards – go for the gold!

COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

The accomplishment I am most proud of is guiding Santa Ana College through the initial phase to establish Guided Pathways and integrate the pillars into the operational practices of the College. Although an ongoing process, building a strong foundation is essential to ensure students complete their programs in a timely manner.

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs? Be an authentic and courageous leader. Use your strengths to advocate for equity and justice in all operational areas of the institution. Although you may not hear from or see the individuals that are impacted by your decisions, know that what you do and how you do it matters!

Linda D. Rose President Santa Ana College Retired June 2020

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

As I reflected on the question, these three things come to mind: 1) My staff’s loyalty to me through everything I’ve done. Loyalty is the consequence of leadership. And leadership is the touchstone of competence; 2) I’ve always focused on not what was done but how it was done. In any endeavor, I’ve been able to look over my shoulder and see people following. One reason for that is I truly believe I am the same guy today that started this work nearly four decades ago; and, 3) Occupational dexterity in service at local single-college districts, multicollege districts, and statewide service have aided in my relentless pursuit of student success for all who can benefit from the instruction offered.

What advice do you give to new and continuing CEOs? Over my career, I have been happier with my victories than I have been upset with my defeats. Decisions made in real time are never perfect. Don’t second guess yourself. Master the dynamic of change. Finally, you were born with the ability to change someone’s life, don’t ever waste it. Jackie Robinson’s tombstone reads: A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. I hope I’ve made a small contribution to that.

Stuart Van Horn Chancellor West Hills CCD Retiring June 2021

COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA

Loretta P. Adrian President Coastline Community College Retiring June 2021

Nabil S. Abu-Ghazaleh President Grossmont College Retired January 2021

To this year’s retiring CEOs, we thank you for your many years of dedicated service to the California Community Colleges.