Board Names Chancellor

State Center Community College District Board President, Annalisa Perea, announced on November 29, 2021, the appointment of Dr. Carole Goldsmith to the position of chancellor. After conducting a national search, a majority of the Board voted to appoint Goldsmith, effective January 1, 2022. The appointment of the new chancellor is subject to final approval of an employment contract to be voted on at the December 14 meeting.

Dr. Goldsmith is the president of Fresno City College and will replace Dr. Douglas Houston, who was named interim chancellor on May 1, 2021, after the retirement of Dr. Paul Parnell on July 6, 2021.

Before taking the helm at Fresno City College, Dr. Goldsmith served as president of West Hills College Coalinga for nearly four years. Prior to that, Dr. Goldsmith held the office of vice chancellor of educational services and workforce development at West Hills for four years. She started her career of service as a K-12 teacher at a small rural school, then as an administrator at an adult school and at a private post-secondary college. Dr. Goldsmith still visits the classroom as an adjunct professor at the university level.

"With more than 20 years of experience in a variety of educational leadership roles along with her knowledge of this District and the community, she is the right choice for this significant position," said Board President Annalisa Perea.

"I am grateful to the board of trustees for placing their confidence and trust in me to be the next chancellor, said Dr. Goldsmith. With our Measure C projects coming to fruition, we are at a critical inflection point as we work together to revitalize our campuses and build upon on our legacy of providing excellent 21st Century career technical education and engaging academic teaching and learning environments. Having served as president in this great District over the past five years, that experience has equipped me well to ensures a smooth transition as we move into the next phase for SCCCD and continue the upward trajectory of the District. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working alongside my colleagues in service to our students and the communities we serve. Our District is well-positioned for this next chapter in our history of being a catalyst for individual learning and an active partner in the economic development of our community. I am excited about being part of this work and look forward to leading the District at this critical time in its history. I believe the colleges of State Center Community College District will help ensure a more equitable economic prosperity for all our valley residents."

Dr. Goldsmith earned a bachelor of arts degree in history at Fresno State, a master of science in educational administration from National University and a doctorate in educational administration from the Joint Doctorate program offered by California State University, Fresno and University of California, Davis.