It has been 15 months since I started at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC), and as any leader does in their first year, I took stock of the campus that I left in 2009.
In my first year, I observed and took note of systems and procedures, or the lack thereof, and now, in my second year, I am using those observations to help steer this campus back on course.
SBCC is like a giant ship, with many team members, students and the community who work in tandem toward a common goal and our North Star: student success.
I am one of eight presidents SBCC has had over the last 15 years, and with so many different people trying to captain the same ship, coordination of such a large team can cause the ship to drift off course, even as many students have graduated, transferred to a four-year institution, and/or landed a job in their field of study.
Even with this success, there is always room for improvement and the potential to see even more students reach their educational goals.
My team and I are working hard to course correct, and to clean up a lot of the structure, both systemically and physically.
There will be more changes to come as SBCC becomes more stable, more aligned, and a better institution than when I found it.
I am grateful for the opportunity, and I am up for the challenge to work alongside my faculty, staff, and administrative colleagues to set a new course for SBCC in order to take this campus to new destinations and to new heights.
As part of my efforts to “right the ship,” approaching. Next week, Santa Barbara voters will have the chance to shape the future of our community by making a decision on how to vote on Measure P.
Measure P is aimed at addressing much-needed upgrades at SBCC. With SBCC standing as a local cornerstone of affordable education and career training, it’s essential to ensure the facilities match the high standards of the programs offered.
Measure P aims to modernize SBCC’s infrastructure to provide students with safe, updated spaces for learning. By addressing urgent needs, such as outdated science labs, safety improvements, and replacement of aging buildings, Measure P will help SBCC continue its vital role in preparing students for careers in healthcare, emergency services, skilled trades, and more.
It’s worth noting that Measure P doesn’t mean expanding our campus. Rather, it is about improving what’s already here, making it safer and better equipped to serve future generations. And, all of this can be achieved without raising the tax rate already approved by voters in 2008.
Every vote counts. The outcome will determine whether SBCC can continue providing the high-quality education and career preparation that our local students and essential workers depend on.
There is no other option that will address the critical upgrades and safety improvements needed on campus. Measure P offers a clear path forward, ensuring SBCC remains a vibrant, safe, and effective educational institution for years to come.
As we head into the final days before the election, let’s make sure every voice is heard.
Our job is simply to consider what Measure P means for the future of SBCC and the opportunities it can continue to provide for our students, our team, and our community.
Set sail with us and learn more about Measure P at sbcc.edu/measure-p. And if you are an alumni, please make sure to join the SBCC Foundations Alumni Connect at sbccfoundation.org/alumni.
