***{Evolution has always been a part of humanity. Change is not a new concept by any means. However, in the recent years it seems to be standing in the spot light on both a national and local level.
Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor, Daniel De LaVista is no exception.
A few months ago, he left his job and home in Virginia, to move to Los Angeles and become the head honcho of the largest school district in the nation on August 1.
Here’s a glimpse of what the new LACCD Chancellor had to say in a telephone interview about his own personal change:}*****
Why would an Executive Director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia apply to become a Chancellor of a school district?
Ask Daniel De LaVista.
On Aug.1 he left his prestigious title and home in Virginia to take over the head honcho position for the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD).
The reason, according to him, is “increased student contact.”
In his prior position he “he provided day-to-day management of an agency that coordinated efforts among 23 community colleges,” according to the LACCD website.
Now and for the past few months, he’s been leading the Board of Trustees of the nations largest community college district, with over 9 colleges and a total of 141,215 students watching.
Here’s a glimpse of what Chancellor De LaVista had to say to students in a telephone interview about his new job:
Welcome to L.A. how’s the move been so far?
Oh thank you, it’s been great. I love the weather.
How would you describe yourself?
I’ve had a long commitment to and participation in higher education. “I understand the pressure and hardships our students make to get to college.”
So what exactly does a Chancellor of a school district do?
That’s a good question. I’m responsible to the LACCD Board of Trustees, which is a seven member elected board. We ensure that the mission of the college and its several strategic goals are addressed on a regular and successful basis.
You were the executive director of Virginia’s State Council of Higher Education, why become a chancellor?
I was not as closely involved with students as I am here. I like the increased student contact.
How do you think your past experiences will help you as Chancellor?
I was the first to go to college so I know how difficult it can be and I’m qualified to help students reach their educational goals. I also have the understanding of the complex management issues, especially in such a difficult economy, without ever losing sight of that.
What are those educational goals you’re referring to?
Making sure educational programs, job opportunities, and a compliment of basic skills classes are offered to students. We are responsible for providing the kinds of programs that students want.
How?
We operate with “shared governance,” which is a process for committees and other structures to offer their opinion and input. Consistently over its history the board has made a very strong commitment to our students. We do our best to reach out to students in different walks of life to be sure that if they’re thinking college isn’t for me that we help them overcome that feeling. Were saying, “if you put your trust in us we’ll help you get there.”
Do you feel that you’ve been successful in addressing those goals so far?
We are making good headway. We are having good conversation with faculties and others.
What ideas did you have coming into the job? Have you had to adapt or change any goals since becoming more acquainted with your tasks?
Some of the transition I made, I made with the understanding that I had as my highest priority to not only emphasize access, because mainly we’re an open door institution, but defining student success and retaining students and helping them reach their goal. Not having them drop out before earning their certificate or degree. That’s the area of focus that I should have.
The other thing that has been and will be a priority is identifying funds to support our student programs. With all the recent budget reductions, my hope is that we’ll be successful in creating more opportunities for generating outside resources.
How do you plan on doing that?
Well, by re-evaluation of how we advise and council students, assessing student readiness for English and Math. It’s nothing flashy, its’ going back and re-evaluating what we have been doing and seeing how that can be improved.
What kind of challenges have you had to face since coming into office?
In three months, probably the first thing that jumps to mind is the size and complexity of the district with a very complex government structure.
How our district figures with-in the larger community college system. We’re the biggest of 72, so how can that help influence legislation and budget allocation?
But I’m enjoying it and I’ve had a lot people stepping forward to help me. People have been very welcoming I’m feeling very good about the transition
With such a large district, how do you find the time to fulfill all your demands?
I have a Staff of 15 or 16 people reporting to me who are held responsible for certain aspects of that broad responsibility, and we turn over a lot of authority to our presidents. There are nine colleges in our district, so we try to support the work of the president.
What kind of input do student get to have?
I have already met with the student government leaders. I also did a workshop for students a few weeks ago, a leadership workshop. I try to keep my ear to the ground when I visit the campus.
In the time that you’ve had what has your impression been of the new Pierce College President, Kathleen Burke – Kelly?
Well, I think she’s done a great job so far. She’s a very qualified and capable person for the position and I look forward to working with her more.
How is she, and Pierce specifically involved in your efforts?
Just last week the people at Pierce talked about their Outreach program. They reach out to schools and bring students in for summer experiences, and have this intensive academic program. That kind of process and activity gets by issues of race or color or gender. Also, the diversity we see in our arts programs and exhibits, you don’t have to look very far to see that the college has embraced the diversity of the faculty.
Why is diversity so important to you?
The commonly held view that I share is the more experience we have from people of other cultures, the more we live in harmony with one another and enrich our lives with cultures that we don’t know about. That’s how we grow, by putting ourselves in those situations.
That happens at our colleges because we bring together different colors, different ages, and different walks of life.
In a year or two from now, what changes would make you feel like you’ve succeeded in your time as Chancellor?
I would hope that we improved upon keeping students in higher numbers and higher numbers of certificate completions and transfers.
I’d like to think I’d have a hand workforce development and job training. Our economy is struggling with 9 percent plus in unemployment. So side-by-
side what we do in the credit program, I think it’s a matter of not being so precise but, whatever the source, the ability of doing good work in helping people prepare for job training.
Also, better transfer agreements with the CSU and UC schools, to make it easier for students to be successful and transfer with a portfolio of courses.
With that in mind, what were your thoughts about the signing of SB1440?
I think it’s really fantastic. I’m a big supporter because it’s going to make it a lot easier for students to transfer and continue their education.
What would you say to the critics who think that SB1440 would make getting into our UC’s and SCU’s less competitive?
I don’t think that’s true. It’s yet to see how it will play out, but I believe it’s in the benefit of our students.
Finally, if there was one piece of advice you could give to your students what would it be?
“Believe in yourself. You do your part, we’ll do ours”