Jack Scott to retire from college post

Jack Scott, the chancellor of the California Community College system and a former college leader and state lawmaker based in Pasadena, will retire from his current post in September, ending 58 years in public life.

“I have greatly enjoyed my work since becoming chancellor on January 1, 2009,” Scott said in a statement. “It is true that it has been a tough time for community colleges because of the financial difficulties of the state of California. But I have been received warmly in Sacramento and on college campuses by trustees, faculty, staff, administrators, and students. I have proudly represented our colleges before the Legislature, the governor and many other audiences.”

Scott, an Altadena resident, was a state senator and assemblyman representing Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank and nearby areas for 12 years. He was in the Assembly from 1996 to 2000 and in the state Senate from 2000 to 2008. He served as chair of the Senate Committee on Education.

Prior to that he was president of Pasadena City College for eight years.

“Jack has been a great champion of community colleges, both in the Legislature and as chancellor,” former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement. ”During a time of extreme state budget cuts, Jack provided stability and vision. He never lost sight of the importance of career technical education, especially in the clean energy and healthcare fields, in keeping our economy strong.”

The California Community College system is the largest higher education system in the country, serving 2.6 million students.

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-- Bill Kisliuk, Times Community News

Twitter: @bkisliuk