A new epoch approaches Bakersfield College (BC), with the arrival of new President Dr. Jerry Fliger; officially marking the much-anticipated end of a two-year search for a new president.
A permanent solution was found in Dr. Fliger, after former President (current Chancellor of the California Community Colleges) Sonya Christian, vacated the position nearly two years ago.
Already confirmed by the Kern Community College District (KCCD) Board of Trustees during their Jan. 23 board meeting; he will look to begin his three-year term on March 11.
Dr. Fliger who was the previous interim president at College of the Mainland, located in Texas, cited BC as being a “comprehensive community college that embraces” its community, as appealing to him to apply for the position.
Despite his previous stay in the Lone Star state, he understands that being the president of BC will not be a one-man job, acknowledging that “leadership is about achieving a mission by listening to folks.” The mission at BC is put simply, with the mantra “Is it serving our students?” He touts this as being his “north star” when making any decisions for BC.
Further speaking about his leadership style, he said, “I lead by principles, not by preferences,” explaining that preferences change in accordance with mood, whereas principles remain constant. He hopes that this approach will make it so that others will already know what he plans to do on a given subject.
One of these principles is to foster an environment of open communication. He understands the uncertainty brought upon with change, and therefore spoke on his strategy in which, “You meet them where they’re at.”
Furthermore, he plans to hold open forums every month at the Panorama Campus and additionally at each satellite campus (Delano, Southwest, Arvin), as well as hosting an open forum for students in the hopes of learning “what we BC can improve in and what we’re doing right.”
He shared that he wants to be available for the community, “it’s about building bridges of opportunity to make families feel comfortable with BC by creating events that bring them to campus.”
Dr. Fliger is set to start his term on March 11.