After three years as the state community colleges chancellor, Dr. Jack Scott has announced that on Sept. 1 he will retire. Scott, age 78, has presided over the California state community colleges during some of the worst periods of budget cuts to education in California’s history.

Scott began his chancellorship in January 2009 after a 58 year long career in education and politics. He has represented the Pasadena, Glendale and Burbank areas in the state Assembly and Senate for 12 years after serving as president of Pasadena City College and Cypress College.

Scott is responsible for creating the Associate Degree for Transfer, allowing community college students the opportunity to work toward transferring while obtaining a degree. But during his reign as chancellor, California community colleges have seen their funding plummet over the last few years. As a result, many programs have been cut, tuition fees have risen and students are ultimately worse off.

In a public statement Scott admitted that California community colleges have gone through some hardships during his tenure.

“It has been a tough time for community colleges because of the financial difficulties of the state of California,” Scott said.

But despite the colleges’ financial woes, Scott feels proud to have represented California community colleges before Arnold Schwarznegger,Jerry Brown and the California Legislature, who have not shied away from making substantial cuts to education funding.

“Jack has been a great champion of community colleges, both in the legislature and as chancellor,” Schwarzenegger said in a press release. “During a time of extreme state budget cuts, Jack provided stability and vision.”