Dr. Carole Goldsmith, State Center Community College District chancellor, announces retirement
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dr. Carole Goldsmith announced her retirement. She has served as the Chancellor of the State Center Community College District since 2022.
At a press conference on Thursday, the president of the board said that this decision came entirely on Dr. Goldsmith's terms.
She is not leaving immediately; she will serve as chancellor until September of 2026.
In our exclusive sit-down interview, she told Action News it's something she's been thinking about for quite some time and that time is now.
"There's a pendulum for everything in life. You get really busy, things get really slow. You work a lot. There's a time in a season for everything, and so this is my season for change," says Goldsmith.
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Goldsmith plans to focus on her family after her time at the district.
"I have a much younger wife, and I have adult children, grandbabies and dogs. Sometimes, life needs to evolve," says Goldsmith.
Goldsmith has spent 30 years in education. She previously served as president of Fresno City College and West Hills College Coalinga.
During her tenure, voters approved the $700 million Measure Q to secure long-term investment in facilities.
She says right now, the district is in a good place, on solid financial ground, seeing record high graduation rates, and is on a growth trajectory.
"Besides the finance or the metrics or the buildings, it is really about the people. During my time, we've hired 110 faculty, over 60 classified professionals and 17 administrators, so we are in a place of growth," says Goldsmith.
The State Center Community College District is the fourth largest in the state, including Fresno City, Clovis Community, Madera Community and Reedley College.
This decision comes at a time when the district is in ongoing contract negotiations with the State Center Federation of Teachers Union representing all district faculty.
Dr. Goldsmith says she will continue to advocate for more funding for community colleges statewide during her last nine months, and focus on student and faculty success.
"I think most people realize that community colleges are a place for everyone. If you're the class valedictorian or if you didn't finish high school. If you are a foster youth, you are a veteran or formally justice involved, there's a place for you at your community college," says Goldsmith.
The board will be tasked with finding the next Chancellor.
Dr. Goldsmith says she will give the board her input but will not be involved in the hiring process.
FULL PRESS CONFERENCE:
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