Topline:
Why it matters: With 116 campuses serving about 1.8 million students, the chancellor leads one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. More than half of enrollment is “non-traditional” students — that is, students aged 25 and older. Nearly two-thirds are classified as economically disadvantaged, and community colleges are a lower cost alternative to traditional four-year schools.
What does Christian want to address as chancellor? “The emergence of potential game changers, like virtual reality and generative AI, a pressing need for climate action, redefining of jobs and therefore the workforce, uncertainties in college enrollment… a legacy of student debt, social and political unrest, and the persistence of inequity,” she said.
Why now: The nationwide search began in July 2022 and the system’s Board of Governors appointed the new Chancellor today.
The backstory: Christian is the first woman to be permanently appointed to the post. She takes the helm from interim Chancellor Daisy Gonzales. Christian began her education career in 1991 at Kern Community College District as a mathematics professor and returned to Kern CCD in 2013 after being selected as president of Bakersfield College.
Go deeper: Eloy Oakley ends tenure as California Community College chancellor to take foundation post
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