Jack Scott, the newly appointed State Chancellor of California Community Colleges, held his first Chancellor’s Circle meeting in the Renegade Room at Bakersfield College on Jan. 20.
Scott began his position as state chancellor on Jan. 1, succeeding interim chancellor Diane Woodruff.
“I’m very excited to be here in Bakersfield,” Scott said “I think that community college is important because such programs as the vocational and occupational programs will help boost the economy.”
Scott addressed the crowd of approximately 40 while a meal prepared by BC culinary students was served.
Those in attendance were community college presidents, CEOs, Foundation members and academic senate presidents from numerous colleges and corporations.
Along with BC president Greg Chamberlain and BC academic senate president John Gerhold, presidents and academic senate presidents from such colleges as Cerro Coso, Porterville and Barstow were at the Chancellor’s Circle meeting.
Scott, the 14th chancellor of California Community Colleges, has a history with community colleges.Prior to his current position, Scott was president of Pasadena City College for eight years, president of Cypress College for nine years, totaling 23 years of involvement in the community college system.
After meeting in the Renegade Room, the chancellor held various meetings with officials and CEOs.
“I expect people to want to know the state of the budget,” Scott said. “That is the purpose of these meetings.”