All things must come to an end, such is the way for current Kern Community College District Interim Chancellor Thomas J. Burke.

Burke was first Chancellor of the district between June 2017 and July 2021. Afterward, Burke was appointed Interim Chancellor in March 2023 as Dr. Sonya Christian began her term as State Chancellor of the California Community College System.

Burke said his proudest accomplishment during his second and latest time as Chancellor – which he referred to as “Chancellor 2.0” – is the achievement of the district’s education and workforce initiatives, as well as the expansion of dual enrollment programs and early college initiatives.

“The continued expansion of dual enrollment and early college initiatives and continued direct onsite High School recruitment efforts has helped the district’s enrollments to exceed pre-pandemic levels and achieve record levels of degree and certificate attainment,” Burke wrote via email.

Burke wrote he was also honored in receiving the 2023 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Regional and National Equity awards.

Dr. Steven Bloomberg, President of Southeast Arkansas College, was selected to succeed Burke’s position after a nationwide search. Bloomberg previously served as the Workforce Development Director at Cerro Coso Community College.

“Dr. Bloomberg’s extensive leadership experience and significant experiences with grants, fundraising, economic and workforce development and enrollment management initiatives will ensure the district’s future success,” Burke wrote. “I think he was an excellent choice by the Board of Trustees to lead the district to continued future success.

Burke said he hopes KCCD will continue to be “a statewide leader in meeting the higher education and workforce and economic development needs” of the communities the district serves.

As for his own future, Burke looks forward to spending additional time with family and traveling.

“[I look forward to] spending a lot of time with my new grandson Killian James Burke,” wrote Burke. “I also look forward to doing some professional consulting within the Community College System, a lot of travel and a lot of time spent fishing in pursuit of trout throughout the Sierra Nevadas!”