“This was not an easy decision for me to make, but it comes at a time when I have begun to reassess my own future goals and to consider the possibility of new professional challenges,” Vega told his staff Thursday morning. “I want to thank you for your support over the years, but, most importantly, for your professionalism and your civility.”

        Vega is leaving the 60,000-student District after more than 18 years. Prior to becoming the District’s fifth CEO, Vega was the president of one of the District’s colleges, Coastline Community College, for eight years.

        “It will be difficult to say goodbye to this place,” Vega said. “It has been such an important part of my life for so long. Thanks to the support of this Board of Trustees and the excellent people who work in this District, it has been a joy to come to work every day.”

        Vega said he is most proud of the changes to the organization’s culture he has seen take place during his chancellorship.

        “When reflecting upon my career, I consider the passage of the $370 million bond measure to be a significant achievement. Yet, I consider my most significant professional achievement to be nonquantifiable,” he said. “I am most proud of the positive change that has taken place within the district environment. When I became chancellor, my goal was to establish an environment in which open and honest communication could take place – an environment that had mutual respect at its foundation. I like to think that I've accomplished that goal.”

        Dr. Paul Berger, president of the CCCD Board of Trustees, said Vega will be greatly missed in the District.

        “I know I am echoing the feelings of the entire Board and our faculty and our staff when I say that I will miss Bill Vega both personally and professionally,” Berger said. “It is his unique leadership genius to make all of those with whom he interacts in this organization feel special and respected.”

        “When I was first elected to the Board of Trustees, Bill Vega was the President of Coastline Community College, and was the first administrator to welcome me to the District by picking me up in his car and driving me around to show me our college campuses and educational centers. Starting then and throughout our time working together for this District, I have been impressed with Bill’s leadership –particularly his ability to create consensus and foster cooperation. He has always been successful in reminding all that this District is a student-centered organization and all are working towards a common goal.”

        Vega has been an educator for more than 31 years, holding leadership positions in several California community colleges. He has also taught economics at Los Angeles City College and the University of Maryland in Europe. He currently teaches courses in educational leadership at California State University, Long Beach; University of California at Irvine, and University of Southern California.

        Vega has earned recognition and made significant contributions as a champion of higher education opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds. He has served on the board of directors of the Community Colleges for International Development, the Harvard University Educational Management Institute, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the College Board. He is past president of Renewal & Change for the 21st Century (RC2000), an organization dedicated to improving higher education opportunities for America’s urban youth.

        Vega earned his doctorate in higher and postsecondary education from the University of Southern California. He is an infantry veteran of the Vietnam conflict, awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge.

EDITORS: A PHOTO OF DR. VEGA IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE DISTRICT PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE.

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        The Coast Community College District is the seventh largest community college district in the nation in credit enrollment, serving more than 60,000 students each semester. The district is comprised of Coastline Community College headquartered in Fountain Valley, Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, and KOCE-TV, the district’s public broadcasting station.