Chancellor Announces Retirement
Colleagues:
I want to let you know that this afternoon I informed the Board of Trustees that after
40 years in community colleges and 29 years as a chief executive officer, I will be
retiring next summer. My husband and I will be returning to our home in Phoenix to
rejoin our family and many friends and colleagues.
It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the Foothill-De Anza Community
College District for the past five years. When I joined the district in February
2010, we were in the midst of the worst financial crisis in California community college
history. Today the colleges are stabilized and moving forward with an unwavering
commitment to student equity, opportunity and success.
I am particularly proud that during my tenure we acquired the Onizuka property through
a public benefit conveyance and the new Education Center is on track to open in Fall
2016. I was able to fulfill a nearly two-decade dream of seeing community colleges
authorized to offer baccalaureate degrees. The $57 million Online Education Initiative
will transform digital learning and student services throughout California. And today,
Foothill-De Anza's technology infrastructure is what you would expect of the largest
community college district serving the Silicon Valley. Finally, we are on a path
to build a district office building and boardroom worthy of this premier college district.
I want to thank the members of the Board of Trustees for their solid support. Our
district is blessed to be governed by such a dedicated and exemplary board. Also
deserving of praise are the generous and caring members of the Foothill-De Anza Foundation
board. I also want to thank the college presidents and district vice chancellors
who have been great colleagues and friends. Finally, I want to express my appreciation
to and respect for the outstanding faculty, staff and administrators of this world-class
college district. I will miss you all.
Please know that for the remainder of my time here I will give my full attention to
the business of the District as it prepares for the transition to a new chancellor.
With gratitude,
Linda M. Thor
Chancellor
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Posted Dec. 2, 2014