A Farewell Message

Here is the email message I sent out today to my community-college-administrator colleagues in the state of Oregon…

Greetings, all…

I know many of you on this listserve will remember me from the seven and a half years I was a regular participant in your quarterly in-person CIA meetings. During that time, 1997-2004, I held the title of “Director of Community College Articulation” with the Oregon University System. I was honored to have been included in your circle even though I was from “the dark side.” Of course, I ceased attending your meetings when my employment with OUS ended three years ago as a result of the Chancellor’s Office reorganization.

Since July of 2004 I have still been among you, only less visibly. During 2004-06 I was the Interim Dean of Science & Technology at Mt. Hood Community College and this last academic year, 2006-07, I have been at Umpqua Community College as the Interim Division Director for Math, Science & Liberal Arts.

I was inspired by Reine Thomas’ recent “departure decision” message to let you know what’s going on with me. (Oh, by the way Reine, your decision sounds exceptionally healthy and wise. Like everyone else, I wish you Godspeed!)

So, my news: I have recently accepted a position with the College of Marin (just north of San Fran) as their new Dean of Math and Sciences. You’ll note the absence of the word “interim” in my title this time. Yes, after a three-years-long transition period from Chancellor’s Office policy wonk to community college dean, the metamorphosis seems to be complete. My last day here at UCC is June 15th and I begin work at COM next month.

After 37 years of calling myself an Oregonian, I’m sure it will feel mighty strange to take on the identity of a Golden Stater. And, of course, it will be agonizing to leave behind all my friends in Oregon higher education. But, the opportunity is too golden, and the location too amazing, to pass up.

As I leave, I wish you economic prosperity and an enlightened Governor, legislature, and electorate that will support your endeavors here to serve Oregon’s postsecondary students. I wish you individual health and happiness. I wish you, all, only the best.

Sincerely,

-jim

Flowers In My Hair

Precisely forty summers after the Summer of Love, here I go: I’m moving to San Francisco!

The short version: The job hunt is over! I have accepted the position of Dean of Math and Sciences at the College of Marin! I will be moving down to the Bay Areavery soon.

The slightly longer version: On April 27th I traveled to the Bay Area to interview for the position of Dean of Math and Sciences at the College of Marin in Kentfield, CA…a short distance from San Francisco, a small town up in Marin County, a little bit north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Given the proximity to San Fran, former home of the Grateful Dead, and feeling extraordinarily good that day, I wore one of my many colorful Jerry Garcia ties for the occasion. During the process, one of my interviewers asked me about my attire and I admitted the neckwear was, indeed, a J. Garcia, adding that “well, you know, I was thinking ‘San Francisco’ when I got dressed this morning…” We all chuckled a little bit over my comment.

The whole time on campus that day had quite a comfortable feel to it, and I spent the afternoon in two long interviews which, at the time, I believed, went quite well. But the days, and then eventually weeks, went by and I heard nothing…so I was starting to put this job possibility out of my mind when, a week ago Friday (May 18th), I received a call from them seeking permission to contact my references. Well, yeah, please do!

So, during the following week, they made their calls until, finally last Friday, Ireceived a call offering me the job. Ohmygod, I thought, this is really happening! The job search is over!

Today we came to agreement on the terms of employment and, so now, having the deal in writing, I will be packing up my stuff here in Oregon (where I’ve spent virtually my entire adult life) very shortly and moving down to the land of earthquakes and extremely (obscenely?) high real-estate prices.

I feel very fortunate that I have been offered this position, one of the most attractive I applied for this (or any other) year, and in a location that, I believe, will suit me just fine. I can’t wait to be a Golden Stater, actually…and to live so close to the city that I’ve been drawn to ever since my first visit there in 1971.

It’s been three long years now since my departure from the Oregon University System and the beginning of my quest to re-make my life as a community college administrator. It’s looking like things have worked out after all!

For those who have been there to support me through the thin and thick of this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[Oh, and by the way…here’s a suggestion for where to be on September 2nd: http://www.2b1records.com/summeroflove40th/]

If you’re going to San FranciscoBe sure to wear some flowers in your hair

If you’re going to San Francisco

You’re gonna meet some gentle people there…

[San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair) – Scott McKenzie]

Remembering Virginia Tech