Pierce president selected as new chancellor for SOCCCD

will begin the position on July 1. Her eight-year tenure at Pierce will end that day.

The South Orange Coast Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously selected Pierce College President Kathleen Burke as its new chancellor. She

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Burke as chancellor of the South Orange County Community College District,” Board of Trustees President Timothy Jemal said in a press release from SOCCCD.

According to the press release,

Burke’s duties include overseeing an $800 million budget, about 4,000 employees, and district operations for Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College, and the Advanced Technology and Education Park, which serve more than 60,000 students a year.

Jemal said that the board was impressed with Burke’s bureaucratic community college experience, and her knowledge will help the district prosper.

“She brings meaningful experience dealing with challenges and successes in community college, and she’s had a lot of successes,” Jemal said.

“Experience means a lot. We are a dynamic district, and she brings that seasoning.”

In May 2010, Burke was selected by the Los Angeles Community College District as the President of Pierce College. Prior to that, she was the vice president of academic affairs at LA Trade Tech College.

LACCD Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez said the district congratulates Burke on her selection as chancellor of the neighboring district.

“LA Pierce is in a very steady and stable position because of the leadership of President Burke. She has provided leadership to our district in exemplary fashion,” Rodriguez said.