Leading Community Colleges in California

On this episode of Leading Community Colleges in California, host Larry Galizio is joined by Jon Fansmith, senior vice president for government relations and national engagement at the American Council on Education (ACE). A nationally recognized voice in the media and a trusted expert among policymakers, he offers critical insights into the shifting federal landscape affecting colleges and universities. In this conversation, Jon shares his national vantage point on pressing federal issues that California's community college leaders should be watching closely, including the changing public narrative around the value of postsecondary education, implications for funding and access, and how leaders can shape federal policy. With California's community colleges serving over 2.2 million students—one-fifth of the nation's total—Jon also reflects on how this unique scale and diversity can be leveraged on the national stage._________________________________Jon Fansmith, along with colleagues Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer, from the American Council on Education, host dotEDU, a podcast on the policy aspects of issues that impact campuses, students, and higher education leaders. They're joined by guest experts to explore topics such as student aid policy, the Department of Education regulatory agenda, diversity in admissions, the value of higher education, and much more.

In this episode of Leading Community Colleges in California, Larry Galizio, Ph.D., is joined by Kristin Clark, Ed.D., retired chancellor; West Hills Community College District and consultant to the League; Jill Stearns, Ph.D., superintendent/president, San Luis Obispo Community College District; and Jennifer Zellet, superintendent/president, Antelope Valley Community College District. Today's community college CEOs have remarkably complex jobs requiring them to stay ahead of trends. In this podcast, these three CEOs address evolving professional development needs, sharing insights on leadership, navigating complexity, and building competencies to succeed in the rapidly changing higher education landscape. Hear from these three dynamic leaders as they make the case for ongoing professional learning for all California community college CEOs. Join the conversation in person at this year's CEO Leadership Academy, July 24-26, 2025, at the Mission Inn, Riverside. Register here>>

In this episode of Leading Community Colleges in California, Larry Galizio, Ph.D., visits with Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Chancellor Ron Gerhard and Yuba College President Tawny Dotson.In April 2025, the State Auditor released an audit report on California's Fifty Percent Law, which limits funding flexibility and restricts colleges from fully investing in critical student support services. The auditor's findings determined that the 50 Percent Law limits districts' ability to fund services outside of the classroom that may better support student success. The Community College League of California released a report calling for reform of the Fifty Percent Law in March 2025. Read the League's report, Modernizing California Community College Funding: Reforming the Fifty Percent Law to Support Student Success.

On this episode of Leading Community Colleges in California, host Larry Galizio welcomes Ryan Stewart, Ed. L.D., in an insightful conversation about opportunities to seek Medicaid funding to support student health services. Community colleges play a significant role in delivering health services, according to a recent report by Stewart and Sara Goldrick-Rab, Ph.D., Increasing Student Support and Success By Boosting Medicaid Engagement, However, while many California community colleges seek Medicaid reimbursement, only a fraction of community colleges nationwide bill for any of the eligible services they offer. Dr. Stewart explains how the report and accompanying dashboard can serve as a guide for community colleges to identify funds for student health services. Visit communitycollegemedicaid.org for the report and dashboard._______________________________________Ryan Stewart, CEO and founder of Mile 2 Consulting, has served as a teacher, New Mexico Secretary of Education, school district administrator, non-profit executive, adjunct professor, and instructional coach.He earned his doctorate in education leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and his B.A. in economics from Stanford University.

On Episode 28, Mac Powell, President & CEO of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, joins host Larry Galizio, Ph.D., to explore the vital role of accreditation in safeguarding educational integrity. Discover how systematic review and objectivity uphold consistency, even amid looming challenges from potential federal policy changes, ensuring the quality and trust essential to the future of community and junior college education.____________About our guest:Mac Powell joined the ACCJC team in July 2022. Dr. Powell served as Senior Vice President of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and supported the agency's 163 institutions and 1.3 million students for five years. His career in higher education also includes serving as president of three universities, including John F. Kennedy University, where he led the institution's successful efforts to become a service-learning institution and a federally recognized and funded Hispanic Serving Institution. Dr. Powell has contributed to the strategic direction of higher education through his service as Chair of the American Council of Education's Commission on Educational Attainment and Innovation, as a Commissioner on the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Commission, as a graduate of the WASC Assessment Leadership Academy, and as Chair of the Council of Applied Master's Programs in Psychology. 

In Episode 27, host Larry Galizio, Ph.D., visits with Pamila Fisher, co-founder of the Asilomar Leadership Skills Seminar, as the program enters its fourth decade. Dr. Fisher shares a brief history of the seminar's history and growth, and the focus on women's leadership issues as they have changed since 1984. Applications for the 2025 Asilomar Leadership Skills Seminar are accepted through January 2025. Dr. Pamila Fisher founded this seminar in 1984 and since served as its director, successfully mentoring many women into positions of leadership. Dr. Fisher is chancellor emeritus of the Yosemite Community College District and has held statewide and national community college leadership roles. She was facilitator for AACC's Future Leadership Institutes for 10 years and consults widely for individual colleges, districts, and systems in areas related to leadership, diversity, and cultural proficiency, communications, and team building. Dr. Fisher also conducts presidential searches and board retreats as an associate of the Association of Community College Trustees. 

In Episode 26, host Larry Galizio, Ph.D., visits with Rebekah Kalleen, executive director of the Community College Facility Coalition. On November 5, 2024, Californians will have the chance to vote on Proposition 2, the Public Education Facilities Bond Measure. This initiative seeks to issue $10 billion in bonds, with $8.5 billion earmarked for upgrading elementary and secondary educational facilities and $1.5 billion dedicated to community college improvements. Proposition 2 will modernize local schools and community colleges, enhancing science, engineering, career technical, and vocational education classrooms, labs, and learning technologies. This investment will provide students with advanced job training, technical knowledge, and specialized skills, better preparing them for high-paying careers.Visit the League's Prop 2 page for a community college-specific toolkit. Visit the  YesonProp2 site for more in-depth information and to sign up for email updates.

In Episode 25, Larry Galizio, Ph.D. visits with Trustee Jonathan Abboud from Santa Barbara City College, and Trustee Sonia Lopez from Compton Community College District about what it means to be a Millennial Trustee. They both explore what made them decide to run for Trustee as a young professional and the value age diversity has brought to community college boards as the community of millennial trustees has grown statewide.

In Episode 24, Larry Galizio, Ph.D. visits with Evergreen Valley College Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, S. Lu Crary, and EVC nursing student, Alma Arevalo. They discuss the importance of access to and diversity in nursing academic programs, the expanding and acute need for nurses in California health care, and the impact that SB 895 (Sen. Richard Roth) could have to students and communities. SB 895 presents a pilot opportunity for California's community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees in nursing, providing an affordable and immediate pathway for nursing education.Learn more about SB 895, legislation to pilot BSNs at California community colleges.Visit Evergreen Valley College's site for Nursing and Allied Health  

In Episode 23, Larry Galizio, Ph.D. visits with statewide student leaders Cassandra Flandre-Nguyen, president, Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC), and Nicole Nguyen, student trustee on the California Community College Trustees (CCCT) Board. They share stories about their personal higher education journeys, insight into issues important issues for community college students, and how their leadership in their organization serves to support 1.9 million students throughout the state. Learn more about the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC).Learn more about the California Community College Trustees (CCCT) Board.

In Episode 22, Larry Galizio, Ph.D. speaks with Keith Buffinton, Ph.D., Executive Director, and Richard K. Miller, Ph.D.,  Founding Chair of the Coalition for Transformational Education, about the mission of the coalition, how it was founded, and the importance higher education has on student lives and mental health after graduation. Learn more about the Coalition at thecte.org  

In Episode 21, Larry Galizio, Ph.D., visits with incoming presidents for the Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (CEOCCC) Board and California Community Colleges Trustees (CCCT) Board. They discuss their enthusiasm for CCC Chancellor Christian's student-centered initiatives, community colleges' roles in supporting California's green economy, and what influenced their leadership journeys.His guests include:Julianna Barnes, Ed.D., Chancellor, South Orange County Community College District; President, Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (CEOCCC) Board; and Chair, League Board of Directors.Andra Hoffman, Trustee, Los Angeles Community College District; President, California Community Colleges Trustees (CCCT) Board.

In this episode, League President & CEO Larry Galizio, Ph.D., talks with California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian, Ph.D. She has more than three decades of experience at all levels of community college leadership and is the first woman named to the permanent role leading the 116-college system. Together, they talk about her family's commitment to education, the importance of equity for students and communities, and dual enrollment opportunities as a seamless gateway to college. 

In this episode, Dr. Larry Galizio talks with California community college leaders as they advocate for baccalaureate degree programs for in-demand careers throughout the state. Together, they discuss the importance of higher education for place-bound students and regional economies, and the community partnerships that affirm the need for these industry-specific degrees. His guests include:Constance M. Carroll, Ph.D., President and CEO of the California Community College Baccalaureate Association and Chancellor Emerita, San Diego Community College DistrictJudy Miner, Ed.D., Chair of the California Community College Baccalaureate Association and Chancellor, Foothill-De Anza Community CollegePamela T. Luster, Ed.D., Vice Chair of the California Community College Baccalaureate Association and President Emerita, San Diego Mesa College

In this episode, Dr. Galizio speaks with Jennifer Cardone, Executive Director of the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA), the statewide organization that establishes the rules and regulations that administer intercollegiate athletic activities for our nearly 24,000 student-athletes. Cardone discusses her journey as a former college athlete and first-generation college graduate, including her start in Little League baseball! She has led the CCCAA through the unique challenges of the pandemic and she is currently expanding the organization to better serve the field, as well as gearing up for the exciting celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Title IX 

In this episode, Dr. Galizio speaks with Dr. Kevin Walthers, Superintendent/President of Allan Hancock College about a wide variety of subjects, including how his education and experience with state policy led to his transition into higher education. A strong advocate for the community college baccalaureate degree, Dr. Walthers shares his advice for aspiring CEOs and his instrumental role in the League's professional development programming and state and national advocacy. To hear more from Dr. Kevin Walthers, listen to his podcast, Hancock Conversations, available on most streaming services.

In this episode, Dr. Galizio speaks with Barry Snell, Trustee at Santa Monica College, and Member on the California Community College Trustees Board. Trustee Snell is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and business leader with extensive experience in civic engagement for the Santa Monica and Malibu regions of southern California. Snell, originally from New Jersey, shares what brought him to California, his background as a CPA, and his personal connection to Santa Monica College. In our discussion, we cover everything from the exceptional benefits of community college, to Trustee Snell's leadership philosophy, and we even learn a bit about his favorite Earth, Wind & Fire song. 

In this episode, Dr. Galizio speaks with Evergreen Valley College President Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson. President Gilkerson talks about how she views California Community Colleges (CCC) as portals to opportunity for social and economic mobility as well as her own personal and professional journey. We learn of her current role as President at EVC, located in the Evergreen district of East San Jose, and her hopes for the future of California's community colleges. Additionally, President Gilkerson discusses her role as Co-Chair on the Affordability, Food & Housing Access Taskforce and work the taskforce has done in raising awareness regarding students' basic needs and addressing food, housing and transportation insecurities that affect CCC students.To read the Affordability Taskforce's latest report on food insecurity, click here.

In this episode, Dr. Galizio speaks with Tracey Vackar, Trustee at Riverside Community College District (RCCD) and member of the California Community College Trustees Board. Trustee Vackar currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for Glendora Unified School District and after 33 years in education she continues to have the same passion and drive for developing workforce engagement training programs. Her extensive K-12 experience, along with her 8-year service with RCCD makes her an impactful leader in her community. Tune in to hear Trustee Vackar talk about the significant growth and development that the Inland Empire has experienced, and her perspective on what makes a successful and effective board member.

In this episode, Dr. Galizio speaks with Gerardo Chavez, President of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges. President Chavez discusses his background as an immigrant from El Salvador, his passion for history, the issues confronting students and the benefits of attending a California Community College. Although attending a community college was his only choice, Chavez believes it is the best option for students that need a more affordable and accessible option to explore the majors and resources that are offered at a college. Please join us for this special episode from the inspiring perspective of one of our California Community College student leaders.

In this episode, Dr. Galizio speaks with Jee Hang Lee, President and CEO of The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) in Washington D.C. After a decade and a half with ACCT, Jee Hang ascended to the presidency on November 1, 2021. He is our first non-California guest but one with  roots in the Golden State where his family immigrated when he was 4 years old. Lee grew up in San Jose working for a former Senator doing campaign research, which eventually landed him in Washington D.C., where he still resides. President Lee explains how he got started in the field of education, his background in community colleges, and what led him to ACCT. Join us for this discussion with Jee Hang Lee and hear what ACCT has to offer trustees as part of their mission. 

In this episode, Dr. Galizio speaks with Francisco Rodriguez, Chancellor of the Los Angeles Community College District, the largest district in the United States. Dr. Rodriguez reflects on a variety of subjects that led him to his current role, including growing up in San Francisco's Mission District, the time he spent at UC Davis, and his commitment to equity. Although he didn't have leanings to education, Dr. Rodriguez talks about how he is a product of the educational programs offered in his community and in many ways the environment he grew up in, and how that inspires his current work. As a past president of Cosumnes River College and a former superintendent/president of Mira Costa College, he also shares valuable advice for aspiring and current CEOs. 

In this episode, Dr. Galizio speaks with Cerritos Community College District Trustee Marisa Perez. Trustee Perez is a dedicated and community focused public servant, a STEM educated champion, and an advocate for equity throughout the California Community College system. Join us for this conversation with California Community College Trustees (CCCT) Board President-Elect Marisa Perez, where she talks about why she ran for the Cerritos College Board of Trustees and her ten years on board. She shares her achievements over the last decade and the culture change at Cerritos. Alongside her fellow board members, Trustee Perez has focused her efforts on AB 705 and discusses what progress has been made at Cerritos since its implementation.

Dr. Galizio speaks with Dr. Daren Otten, Superintendent/President at Copper Mountain Community College. Dr. Otten talks about the challenges and opportunities of leading a small rural college in California, what led him to his current role, and even how his triathlon and training supports his work. Born on the east coast, President Otten traveled westward with his family. His father pursued higher education as a student on the GI bill and his mother was an English teacher. Following several years in business and engineering in 2004 Dr. Otten started teaching at Chico State and that's when he realized how much he enjoyed supporting students. The Copper Mountain leader shares how a nonlinear path brought him into the community college structure in 2015 and eventually led him to Copper Mountain where the institution is celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Dr. Galizio speaks with State Center Community College District Trustee Deborah Ikeda about her leadership both at the state and national levels. At the state level, she currently serves as President of the APITA Caucus and is a member of the CCCT Board. In this episode, we hear Trustee Ikeda's unique perspective having served as a college president and now as a trustee. She shares her family's experience as Japanese Americans and her background with the Chicago City Colleges. Trustee Ikdea discusses her role as the founding CEO of Clovis Community College and what led her to run as an elected board member and serve on ACCT's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Dr. Galizio speaks with Ohlone College Superintendent/President Dr. Eric Bishop. Last year, Dr. Bishop joined a unique cohort of college presidents that began their presidency during the pandemic. President Bishop talks about the challenges he's encountered with leading a college without having met many of his faculty and staff in person, and the various strategies his institution has implemented to bolster fall enrollment. In addition, he explains why he believes 'equity' is a verb and how he works towards creating structural change.

Dr. Galizio chats with Los Angeles Community College District Trustee Andra Hoffman about her experience becoming a trustee at the largest community college district in the state and the challenges she faced in leading the board during the pandemic as the only woman on a 7-member board.  She recounts her long journey toward earning an undergraduate degree and explains how community colleges can better support student-parents and provide opportunities for upward social mobility. Trustee Hoffman also discusses what led to the creation of the California Community Colleges Women's Caucus and its impact thus far.

Dr. Galizio talks with the Equity Avengers: San Diego Mesa College President Dr. Pam Luster and Compton College President Dr. Keith Curry about their journeys as community college CEOs and how their equity-driven partnership has evolved. They give advice on how to become an equity-minded leader and share insights into their own approaches to leadership and relationship-building. Presidents Luster and Curry discuss work-life balance, burnout, and ways to stay energized and motivated about the work they do.

Dr. Galizio talks with Pam Haynes, California Community Colleges Board of Governors (BOG) President and Trustee at Los Rios Community College District. President Haynes talks about her time at Santa Monica College as a student, what led up to her post-secondary degree at Harvard University, and her involvement in re-districting Sacramento. They discuss her priorities as BOG President and her advice for new trustees that have recently entered into their role.  

Dr. Galizio chats with Santa Rosa Junior College President/Superintendent Frank Chong about his life experience as an American-Born Chinese from New York City growing up during the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Chong shares his journey to becoming a college president and talks about his background in politics and tenure as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges at the U.S. Department of Education under the Obama Administration. He also discusses the importance of Asian Americans being represented in higher education administration and why it matters.

Dr. Galizio speaks with El Camino College Trustee Ken Brown about his time at Morehouse College and how he landed his engineering position at Northrop Grumman. Trustee Brown talks about social justice and shares his take on CEO and board relations.

For the first episode of the Leading Community Colleges in California Podcast, Dr. Galizio interviews Constance Carroll, Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District. Dr. Carroll has over 40 years of experience in higher education leadership and is a state and national advocate for the community college baccalaureate degree.