College district chancellor will retire

Deepa Bharath

Days after he completed 10 years as chancellor of the Coast Community

College District, William Vega announced that he will retire in June.

Vega took over as the district’s fifth chancellor on Nov. 1, 1993.

He did not specify reasons for his retirement, but simply said in an

issued statement that it was time “to reassess my own future goals

and consider the possibility of new professional challenges.”

Vega was not available for comment, but he said in the statement

that he was proud to have seen changes to the “organization’s

culture” during his years as chancellor of the district, which

comprises Golden West College, Orange Coast College and Coastline

Community College.

His goal was to establish an environment in which open and honest

communication could take place, and he believed he accomplished that

during his tenure, he said.

Vega has been one of the best chancellors in the district’s

history for that very reason, said Jim Carnett, spokesman for Orange

Coast College, one of the district’s colleges.

“He’s done a great job forging a bond between the different

campuses,” he said. “Before he took over, there was quite a bit of

antagonism and suspicion among the different colleges.”

But Vega changed all that with his brand of management, Carnett

said.

“He is approachable,” he said. “And he is a genuinely nice guy.

People respect him and admire him.”

Another significant accomplishment for Vega was the passage of a

historic $370-million bond in November 2002. That bond will fund

facility improvements over 20 years at all three schools -- Orange

Coast, Golden West and Coastline.

It was Vega’s “leadership genius” that made everyone in the

district “feel special and respected,” said Paul Berger, president of

the district’s board.

“I have been impressed with Bill’s leadership, particularly his

ability to create consensus and foster cooperation,” he said. “He has

always been successful in reminding all that this district is a

student-centered organization and all are working toward a common

goal.”

That Vega had been with the district for 18 years also gave him a

good understanding of how to run it when he took over, Carnett said.

He said he hopes the person who will replace Vega is chosen from

within the district.

“We need someone who has a deep understanding of our goals and our

culture,” he said.

* DEEPA BHARATH is a reporter with Times Community News. She may

be reached at (949) 574-4226 or by e-mail at

deepa.bharath@latimes.com.