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Today I will speak at all three colleges for the last Flex Day of my career. My time as Coast District chancellor has been one of the absolute highlights of my life, certainly the high point of my career as an educator. The time we have walked together in this journey has been meaningful and impactful. You made it so.
Chancellors, presidents, and other senior leaders may at times be seen as having the discretionary power to effect change. The truth is nothing we decide to do has power without the engagement of faculty, staff, and management. We can set a direction and pace, but we alone cannot move the college or district.
I say this in context of the opportunities and challenges you will face in the coming years: reengaging students who stopped attending during the pandemic; reaching different groups of potential students, particularly historically underserved communities; ensuring students have the greatest chance to succeed in whatever path they choose; and maximizing the lifetime benefit of the time students spend in college.
No single individual, or even a handful of people, can address these issues with success. A concerted, districtwide effort is required. And I know, with absolute certainty, that the Coast District is up to the challenge. I know this because you have shown yourselves capable time and again. Think of how we have transformed our academics, operations, and facilities over a few short years. Think of how we transcended a global pandemic to keep educating and supporting students.
This is a place of meaning and impact through education. Together, we effect change and bring about better lives for our students alongside better futures for our communities. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Coast District's noble mission.
Be well,
John
John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor
Goodbyes from the Community
"Thanks to Chancellor John Weispfenning's tireless work, thousands of community college students have launched their careers, gained specialized skills, and achieved their academic goals through engaging classes delivered in the Coast District's world-class facilities. Chancellor Weispfenning ably helmed the District through much-needed campus improvements and a global pandemic that created unprecedented challenges for so many students, faculty, and staff. His legacy continues on at the institution he led."
Senator Dave Min
"Chancellor Weispfenning led the Coast College District and our three world-class colleges through transformational times. During his tenure, he has helped students increase completion and transfer rates, expand inclusion initiatives, and ensure faculty and staff have the facilities and resources to achieve academic excellence." Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris
"I had the pleasure of working with Chancellor Weispfenning in the beginning of his tenure at the Coast District. I quickly learned and grew to truly value the respect that Chancellor Weispfenning had for people who chose to enter the noble, yet humbling field of higher education. This deference for his colleagues helped him to maintain goals that were inspirational but at the same time practical. As a practitioner that worked in several areas of community colleges – faculty member, VPI, and President – he never lost sight that the progress of the colleges and district were fueled through the power of talented and committed people." Letitia Clark, MPP
Chief Communications Officer, South Orange County Community College District; Councilmember/Mayor Emeritus, City of Tustin
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