By James Figueroa, Staff Writer Pasadena Star News | http://bit.ly/A6tUCo
3/06/2012 06:07:27 PM PST :: Jack Scott, chancellor of California Community Colleges who retains deep ties to the Pasadena area, said Tuesday he will step down as head of the nation's largest system of higher education on Sept. 1.
Scott, a former state senator and assemblyman representing the Pasadena area and a former president of Pasadena City College, is retiring after nearly six decades in higher education and public service.
"It just felt like time to retire," said Scott, 78, who said he hadn't planned to stay in the post long-term.
Jack Scott | photo: CalLutheran.edu >
"I'm going to finish a little over three-and-a-half years," he said. "I hope I've made a real contribution to the community colleges."
Since becoming chancellor in January 2009, Scott has helped the 112-campus community college system weather deep cuts in state funding that led to fee increases, course cuts and reduced enrollment.
Scott has also focused on making it easier for community college students to transfer to the UC and state university systems.
His retirement announcement comes a day after college students rallied in Sacramento to protest budget cuts, including PCC students who are upset about sudden class cancellations this spring.
Scott vowed to work through the budget deadline in July and see through two bills that arose from a student success task force.
"I've done the very best I could to make sure the colleges get as much money as possible even in these very lean times," Scott said. "I'll continue to do that until the budget is completed."
While he's still working, Scott hopes his office can establish a priority enrollment system for people who plan to transfer right away or who are taking career technical programs.
Scott previously spent 12 years in the state Legislature, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Education. Before that he served as president of PCC and Cypress College.
Scott plans to return from Sacramento to his Altadena home, to travel, and to spend more time with his family.
The house in Altadena was partially destroyed in a house fire at Christmas, so Scott and his wife Lacreta will stay in a Pasadena condominium until the home is rebuilt - which could take up to a year.
"It's our home despite the fact it burned down," Scott said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
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