As of today, there has been no news concerning the acquisition of a new chancellor to replace present and retiring California Community College Chancellor Brice Harris. Last October, Harris announced that he will retire in April 2016, after serving only three years as chancellor of this system of 113 colleges.

Concerns, such as time dwindling to find the next Chancellor, abound. Harris, according to the Fresno Bee, wants to make sure the new chancellor can fill the role and execute things in a timely manner.

According to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office official website, the selection process is made by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. They have already begun the search.

The selection process may be difficult, as the job of chancellor includes “general responsibility for leadership and coordination, as well as specific functions such as serving as the fiscal agent for appointment of state funds, approving educational programs proposed by the colleges, and reviewing plans for construction projects.”

The choice of chancellor can have a strong effect of the college system, as “The Chancellor’s Office also provides services to the colleges such as maintaining a comprehensive information system; coordinating, following and sponsoring legislation; and providing assistance in the areas of student, program and fiscal services.”

Recently, the current chancellor has been addressing the accrediting situation for California Communtity colleges before he resigns. It has been made clear that what he has done is put the best interests of the California Community Colleges first.

In speaking to Inside Higher Ed, Harris stated that “It is really, extremely complicated when you think about 113 of our institutions and upwards of 150 institutions altogether in ACCJC. Change is not something you can do with the flip of a light switch.”