As president, Greg Chamberlain plans to first establish working relationships with the faculty and staff of Bakersfield College.
Chamberlain, current vice chancellor of Kern Community College District, was named BC’s 10th president April 25. He began his career at BC as an instructor in 1989, moved into executive positions and in 2005 became vice chancellor of the district.
“We had wonderfully qualified candidates who applied,” said Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, former chair of the screening committee and dean of instruction. “Though after listening to them speak at the forums, it wasn’t just his familiarity with the school, but his leadership, decisiveness, honesty and ability to be forthright. For me, those are the kinds of characteristics BC needs at this time.”
According to Chamberlain, he is a “people-driven manager,” and, like President Bill Andrews, he hopes to be visible on campus.
“I’m very excited about being back on campus, and I’m looking forward to working with the staff,” said Chamberlain, who worked at the downtown Weill Institute while vice chancellor. “I’m doing my best to be prepared; this is a very big opportunity. Along with that will come big challenges.”
“My perception is that he (Chamberlain) is going to be very open and enjoy people. He believes in creating transparent operations,” said Andrews. “The fact that he knows many members of the faculty and staff means that he will understand the core programs of the college, and this will make it easier for him to provide leadership in those areas. Typically, a new president from outside the district will spend the majority of his or her first year to gain an understanding of the institution.”
Chamberlain agrees but is subtle about his familiarity with the changes that may have occurred on the college campus.
“Although it’s not like I’m coming from outside of the district like the other candidates, things have changed since I’ve left,” said Chamberlain. “I’d like to establish communication, and I’d like to be very visible on campus. I will be doing a lot of work with the 2012 plan and take a look at places that need work.”
To assist in his transition back to campus, Andrews will be meeting periodically to familiarize Chamberlain with specifics until July 1, when Andrews will officially retire, leaving the presidency to Chamberlain, along with all of the responsibilities.
“Dr. Chamberlain and I will be meeting a number of times prior to my July 1 retirement date,” said Andrews. “This is so that we can ensure a smooth transition and to make him aware of the many ongoing activities and projects at the college. I’d like to make sure he’s aware of the Basic Skills Initiatives at BC that need to be continued. We need to be sure he understands the organizational functional alignments because they have changed since he has left. We will be reviewing the tentative budget because the final budget typically doesn’t go to the board till September and sometimes as late as October.”
Aside from the continuation of the Basic Skills Initiative and the tentative budget, the 2012 plan will be completed and submitted to the KCCD Board of Trustees for approval in June.
“It is a truly collaborative document presenting the vision and plans of the faculty and staff at BC through to the year 2012,” said Andrews. “Incoming president Chamberlain will have the opportunity to lead the college in the implementation of the plan’s strategic initiatives.”
According to Gomez-Heitzeberg, Chamberlain really knows the learning process, and due to his education in Instructional Technology and his involvement with Leadership Bakersfield, he will benefit the college.
“His positive interaction with business leaders and educational leaders will greatly benefit the college,” she said. “I’m looking forward to his return to campus, He has a clear understanding of our students and the needs of our faculty. He has a bigger view of what the Bakersfield College community needs, and his qualifications are a perfect fit at this time.”