Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott Retires, Returns to Pasadena

After over half a century of serving in the higher education system as well as as a state legislator, California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott, former Pasadena City College president, has retired and has announced his return to his “beloved city” of Pasadena.

“I look forward to returning to the Pasadena I love so much. It’s my home,” said Scott in an interview with the Pasadena City College Courier, adding that he’s looking forward to seeing the sights and sounds of his hometown.

Among the places he mentioned that he planned on visiting in the Courier report are Kathleen’s restaurant on Lake Avenue, Laemmle’s Theatre and the Huntington Library gardens. The Courier also says that Scott is excited about catching a Lancer game or two, and in meeting some of the students.

Over the course of his career, Scott has had a lot of experience with dealing with higher education.

“I started in community colleges back in 1973,” recalled Scott. “I spent 23 years first as a dean, and then a president of two colleges – Cypress College and Pasadena City College. So on a first hand basis, I saw exactly what community colleges do.”

From there Scott went into the legislature, where he continued to champion community colleges, heading the Senate Education Committee. Scott also spearheaded the passing of senate bill 361 changing the funding formula for community colleges.

“And then I couldn’t turn down the opportunity when I was asked to become chancellor of this system,” recounted Scott of his induction into the California Community Colleges.

After personally overseeing a large majority of the recent revamps in community college budgets in the area, Scott bid the campus he had served since January 1st, 2009 goodbye.

“It’s really been a very, very good time that I’ve had. I treasure every moment that I spent. I thank the staff that worked so hard, and I bid a fond farewell to California Community Colleges,” said Scott in his farewell message to California Community Colleges.

Aside from his plans on touring his hometown, Scott aims to do some lectures regarding educational issues. Scott will also be joining the School of Educational Studies at Claremont Graduate University as a Scholar in Residence.