Plans are effective at the end of the 2021-2022 academic school year

By Staff Report

Dr. Kathleen Rose

Dr. Kathleen A. Rose announced her plans for retirement as Gavilan College superintendent/president at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year. She has served in this position since 2016.

“We are grateful for the years of service and many contributions Dr. Rose has made to the students of our district,” said Edwin Diaz, president of the Gavilan College Board of Trustees. “In addition to many accomplishments, Dr. Rose’s tenure has been marked by significant challenges, including the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her leadership the college maintained valuable services to students and the communities we serve. We wish her well in her retirement.”

The board of trustees will begin discussing the recruitment of a new president during the coming months.

She made the announcement at the Oct. 7 board of trustees development meeting. Rose’s legacy at Gavilan includes the successful passage of the Measure X Bond in 2018, celebration of the college’s Centennial in 2019-2020, reaffirmation of the college’s accreditation.

Her tenure included the multitude of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated the rapid transition of all instruction and services from in-person to remote in a matter of days, the development of new safety protocols, leadership of a largely remote workforce for more than a year, and meticulous planning for the return to campus. This followed an unprecedented cybersecurity attack, and a changing state funding formula that created financial stress for the district.

Her retirement, planned with the input and support of her family, will begin following the 2021-2022 academic year.

Following the board meeting, Rose sent the following letter to staff and students at the college:

Dear Gavilan College Community,

Tonight I notified the Board of Trustees of my intent to retire July 1, 2022. This is my 40th year in higher education as an administrator and faculty member, my 13th year with GJCCD, and 6th as your Superintendent/President.

My family and I are ready for a new chapter in my life and after many months of reflecting and deliberating with them on personal and professional reasons to retire, my decision was made.

I am proud of the many accomplishments in our district during my time at Gavilan, with all of you at the center of each achievement.

My role as a leader was inspired daily by our courageous students, our dedicated professional support staff, our talented faculty and an equity focused leadership team.

Together we celebrated Gavilan’s 100th anniversary, passed the largest bond in the district’s history, and changed together through a global pandemic. Many, many highs and lows were experienced by a community of educators that remained committed to the educational journeys of our students and partnerships within our communities, no matter the social, political, and economic challenges.

As you know, our mission is to “actively engage, empower and enrich students of all backgrounds and abilities to build their full academic, social, and economic potential.”

I am proud to have contributed to the culture at Gavilan and represent our collaborative commitment to our mission each day.

In my remaining time, I will continue to lead with transparency, equity, and dignity as the district prepares for the next Superintendent/President.

I am grateful that you all took a chance on this farmgirl from upstate New York who has been honored to serve as your president during a critical time in the district’s history. I thank each of you for your support and service to this incredible college.