Download the District Goals

November 2, 2006

One of my favorite quotes is from John F. Kennedy -- “Change is the law of life.”  In keeping with that fact, I wanted to communicate with you directly regarding some news that I shared with the Board of Trustees and Cabinet yesterday.  Although this may come as a surprise to you, I have decided to retire next August as Chancellor, and return to the classroom.

It has been difficult for me, after 36 years in community colleges, to not be on a college campus.  I miss the infusion of energy from daily interaction with faculty and students. 

Since I am approaching 60 years of age, I think it is time to return to my professional roots.  I have always said that before I “hung up my spurs” I wanted to return to the classroom as a teacher because it has always been my first love.  In spite of all of my administrative jobs, I have always been a teacher at heart and I always viewed these administrative assignments as temporary interludes to teaching.  I have had some teaching offers from four-year schools, but I would really prefer to teach at a community college, so I will be looking for a part-time assignment at Pierce (or any other college that will invite me!).

On a personal level, my wife and I have had to endure a very difficult living situation for the better part of three years, either having to deal with horrible commutes (up to 4 hours each day), or living apart during the week.  We actually like being together and I want to make that an every day occurrence.

In addition, because of events that have touched my family over the past year, I am trying to adjust my life to a slightly different set of priorities.  This will include not only spending more time with my wife, but with my 94-year-old mother and the rest of our family.

When I left Pierce three years ago to come to the Chancellors Office, I identified for myself ten primary goals for the district, and by next summer we will have accomplished all of them or have a clear plan on how to achieve them.  I have attached these goals, which will continue to be a blueprint for this district’s ongoing success.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the extraordinary support I have received from everyone – the Board of Trustees, the Presidents, the District Office Senior Staff, the union leaders, the DAS leadership, my office staff and numerous individual employees.  I am especially honored that I recently received a wonderful performance evaluation from district leaders and the Board of Trustees, which validates our hard work over the past few years.

As I transition from Chancellor back to the classroom, I will continue to be close at hand.  I hope my contributions to the Los Angeles Community College District over the last eight years have justified your trust and friendship.  I am extraordinarily proud of the district’s ability to make such a positive difference for all those that we serve. 

My sincere thanks for all of your support and for everything you continue to do to help the district fulfill its mission.  I look forward to our continued work together in the months and years ahead.

Rocky Young