The search for the next president of Bakersfield College is underway when a series of public forums were held at the Renegade Event Center, Wednesday, Jan. 28.
The Kern Community College District Chancellor announced the start of the search is Jan. 14, with the target date for applications being March 12.
The Association of Community College Trustees, (ACCT), which is a non-profit educational governance organization, hosted public hour-long forums led by Julie Golder, JD. The forums were intended to get the input of community and constituents, many representing different departments at the college with a goal of creating an initial presidential profile draft.
According to the BC website, enrollment figures for student headcount for all campuses was exceeding 45,000 as of the 2024-2025 school year, reflecting a need to define how to best serve and accommodate its students, staff, and community.
Those in attendance identified essential qualities, leadership traits, and characteristics ensuring the new prospective presidential candidate can effectively meet the specific requirements of the BC community at its highest standards.
The capacity to lead a multi-generational institution with skills in crisis management and mitigation with the ability to implement change were some of the top skills requested of the ideal new presidential candidate.
“There is a need for an accessible, transparent, connected leader who is aware of the institution’s demographic and is inclusive of students with barriers.” stated Kim Arbolante, Program Manager at the BC Writing Center.
“I would like to see the next president be a bilingual Spanish speaker, seamlessly becoming part of this community. There is a need to reflect the student community and the community at large.” Arbolante explained.
Forum attendees also included a request for a committed and collaborative leader that will communicate well, be easily accessible to and between all departments and communities, including regular visits.
Screening of the wide range of diverse potential candidates, includes evidence-based questions, vetting processes, and background checks.
This election process is transparent. The nominated candidates will remain confidential until the finalist phase, after which six candidates will be announced. The presidential search timeline and progress report is updated regularly and is available on the BC website.