Dr. Brice Harris will take office as the chancellor of California Community Colleges on Nov. 6. The Board of Governors selected Harris as the 15th chancellor on recommendation of former Chancellor Jack Scott, who retired in September.
California community colleges serve over 2.4 million students, making it the largest system of higher education in the country. The duty of the chancellor is to oversee general policy and funding for schools, as well as to work with individual schools to improve student outcomes.
Harris led the Los Rios Community College District which educates 85,000 students as chancellor for 16 years. The district’s fourth college, Folsom Lake, was built and established with Harris as the executive force. This large district is a moderate steppingstone to Harris’ new position where he will oversee the 112 community colleges in California.
According to the bio on the chancellor’s office website, Harris received a bachelor’s degree in communication from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He then moved on to the University of Arkansas, where he received his master’s in communication. Harris earned his doctorate in education at Nova Southeastern University and then did post-doctorate work at Harvard University Institute of Education Management.
In addition to his experience as a district chancellor and his prestigious educational achievements, Harris is a connected man. He has served as former chairman of the board of California Community College Chief Exe utive Officers. He currently serves as board member on the American Council for Education. His contacts in Sacramento as well as his recommendation by former California Senator Jack Scott help to politically bolster education plans.
Scott announced his faith in his replacement in a press release by the chancellor’s office that announced the appointment of Dr. Harris.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to know Dr. Harris for many years, and I’ve witnessed the abilities which he has for leadership,” said Scott in a press release announcing the decision. “I can’t heap enough compliments upon this individual to tell you how glad I am that he’s come to California community colleges at a crucial time.”
Harris will receive a salary of $192,000 a year for his leadership of the nation’s largest college system.
Harris will assume office the same day as Californians vote for or against Proposition 30.
Proposition 30 will raise taxes on those netting more than $250,000 per year in order to fund schools and most importantly, community colleges. This measure allocates an extra $210 million in funding for community colleges, as well as making room for around 20,000 students according to the chancellor’s office. Failure of Proposition 30 would strip $338 million in funding and would eliminate as much as 180,000 students from the system. These cuts will go into effect if Proposition 38 receives more votes as well.
Harris faces a tough gamble his first day, and he will need to plan accordingly depending on the outcome of the ballots.
“It is a tremendous opportunity at a great time in California; yes, we have our challenges, but believe me, I’m excited about the opportunity and looking forward to everyday services as chancellor,” said Harris with zeal upon accepting the position.
“Increased access and increased student success will certainly be at the heart of what this system continues to do under my leadership as it has been under Chancellor Scott’s.”
