Announcement from Chancellor Goldsmith

Today I shared with the Board of Trustees my decision to retire as Chancellor of State Center Community College District, effective September 2026.

After much reflection and prayer, this decision comes from a deep sense of completion and gratitude, and the decision is entirely on my terms.

Our enrollment is strong, our finances are sound, and student success has reached new heights. With a capable leadership team in place and a clear path forward, this is the right moment to begin planning for the District’s next chapter. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that the organization is in good hands and well-positioned for the future.

Together, we’ve achieved meaningful progress that reflects the strength and dedication of this entire District.

The District is experiencing historic momentum. Enrollment has climbed to 70,290 students, a 14% increase from last year, making State Center the fourth-largest district in California. Dual enrollment is delivering the promise of a college education to deserving high school students.

At a time when other educational institutions are laying off staff, we are adding. New positions for approval are coming forward in the next month, and over the past five years, the District has added 110 faculty, 61 classified professionals, and 17 managers to support instruction, student services, rising enrollment and expanding programs.

We earned voter trust with the passage of Measure Q, allowing us to continue progress on new and modernized facilities across all colleges and centers. The projects approved will improve access in updated learning environments, and support future generations of students.

That said, I’m not going anywhere yet. We still have important work to do, and I plan to press forward, full speed, until my final day in September 2026. Over the coming months, we will continue advancing major initiatives that strengthen our colleges and serve our students, including affordable student housing at Fresno City College, new community partnerships to benefit our colleges, implementation of a new budget allocation model, and progress on voter-approved construction and modernization projects across the District. Like our students, and with your help, I vow to finish strong.

It continues to be the honor of my career to serve alongside you. Thank you for your dedication to our students and to the mission of this District.