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April 12, 2023
Dear Berkeley City College Community-
Earlier this evening, I was confirmed by the Board of Trustees to be the next Superintendent/President of Santa Rosa Junior College, effective July 1, 2023. With a heavy heart and in the spirit of community, it is important to me that you receive this news from me as soon as possible.
While I am honored and look forward to taking on the challenges of my next role, I would like to share that this was a difficult decision to make. This evening I reflected on my relationships with all of you and the incredible work we have done to serve the community and Berkeley City College students. I began my role as President at Berkeley City College right at the beginning of the pandemic when all of us were facing so much uncertainty about the state of the world and the impact on students. These past years have forever changed the future of community colleges and the role we play in the evolving landscape of higher education. It has been and continues to be a pleasure to work alongside you to make the necessary adjustments to our work amidst such adversity. From online instruction and services to the ways in which we have returned to serving students on campus, I have seen you rise to the occasion in service of students and one another.
Your work bears out in the data – this academic year we grew in enrollment, retention, persistence, and transfer rates. We secured the future of Berkeley City College by reaffirming our AACJC accreditation and set the framework for the next five years by drafting Berkeley City College’s Educational Master Plan. We have much to celebrate, such as receiving one of two co-operative Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution grants in the country to serve the AAPI community with augmented mental health and language acquisition experiences. Our dual enrollment pathways work has led to significant increases in first-generation and historically minoritized students enrolling in college courses and securing their progress towards a college certificate/degree. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together and know that there is much more we can do to build towards an inclusive community that is committed to equitable student outcomes.
I am committed to working with Chancellor Jackson, the leadership of the academic, classified, and student senates, as well as the administration team over the next few months to ensure that BCC has stable and student-centered leadership in the President’s Office. As always, I will communicate updates when possible and welcome your questions. I look forward to finishing this academic year strong, steadfast in my commitment to make every moment together count.
Mil gracias for the many ways you have welcomed me and my family to this beautiful community. This is not good-bye yet.
In Community,
Dr. Angélica Garcia (Pronouns: She | Her | Hers| Ella)
President, Berkeley City College