E. Bing Inocencio

“I’m most concerned about keeping our faculty and equipment up to date because of the imminent danger of obsolescence. You’re either part of the steamroller or part of the road kill.”

NAME: E. Bing Inocencio

AGE: 62

HOME: Woodland Hills

PROFESSION: President of Pierce College in Woodland Hills.

LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: In June, Inocencio succeeded in renewing Pierce College’s accreditation, a critical academic quality rating, following two years of uncertainty. He also recently formed a partnership with Cal State Los Angeles that will allow students majoring in business to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving Pierce.

GOALS FOR 1998: Inocencio’s chief challenge for 1998 is repaying the $4.8 million the school owes the community college district--the largest debt in the system. He also has set his sights on increasing enrollment, which would bring more money to the college. New students will be jammed into larger classes, which, Inocencio said, will make up for significant cuts this spring in the number of classes offered. And the hot-button issue of the school’s farmland, considered precious open space by many neighbors, could erupt at any time next year. Inocencio’s hope: that farm lovers can be persuaded to consider a greater range of alternatives for the acreage.