Community college chief gets new job -- as lecturer

Students at the Claremont Graduate University's School of Educational Studies soon will be hearing from one of the most veteran voices in California’s higher education and political systems.

Jack Scott, who is retiring this week as chancellor of California Community Colleges, is to become a scholar in residence at the university for the academic year starting next month, officials announced.

Scott, a former state legislator and president of two community colleges, is expected to lead classroom discussions, deliver lectures and help launch a certificate program for community college professionals. Scott earned a doctorate in history from Claremont Graduate University.

“Jack is among CGU's most distinguished alumni,” said Scott Thomas, dean of CGU's School of Educational Studies. “For decades, he has worked tirelessly on the state's most vital social and educational issues, and now he's bringing his experience and wisdom back to CGU. He will be an invaluable resource for the CGU community, and we're honored to have him with us here in Claremont.”

A Democrat, Scott served in the Legislature for 12 years until 2000, as an assemblyman and senator from the Pasadena area, and previously was president of Pasadena City College and Cypress College.

As head of the 112-college statewide system since January 2009, he has had to cope with the state budget cuts that reduced staffing and course offerings at most community colleges.

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--Larry Gordon

Photo: Jack Scott, shown in 2009, is retiring this week as chancellor of California Community Colleges.  Credit: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press