May 31, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica College Names Jeff Shimizu As Interim Superintendent/President:

The Santa Monica Community College District Board of Trustees voted Tuesday night to appoint Executive Vice President Jeffery “Jeff” Shimizu to the role of Interim Superintendent/President.

This follows an announcement by SMC President Dr. Chui L. Tsang last month that he would be retiring at the end of the academic year. Shimizu will fill the role of Chief Executive Officer for SMC while a search is conducted for a permanent replacement. The appointment is effective July 1.

“Being here for many years has given me a chance to really learn and respect the inner workings of the college, its faculty, staff and students,” said Shimizu, whose career at SMC spans three decades.

He started as a faculty member in SMC’s counseling department in 1985 and went on to fill a number of administrative roles including dean of counseling, athletic director, and dean of instruction. Shimizu served as Vice President of Academic Affairs – a position he held for a decade – and was appointed Executive Vice President in September 2014.

“I echo the entire Board’s sentiment when I say that we were all counting on Jeff Shimizu to provide direction for the College at this crucial time,” said Rob Rader, Chair of the SMC Board of Trustees.

As Vice President of Academic Affairs, Shimizu provided leadership for the college’s 21 instructional departments.

His responsibilities ranged from curriculum, distance education and continuing education to managing SMC’s five satellite campuses – from Emeritus College in downtown Santa Monica to the Bundy Campus next to the Santa Monica Airport, which houses SMC’s Health Sciences department and its Career Technical Education arm.

Shimizu was also largely responsible for the SMC summer instruction program at Compton College in 2006, which helped restore that college’s accreditation status.

In his role as Executive Vice President, Shimizu worked closely with Tsang – a leader he described as “innovative and a stabilizing influence” – to provide administrative oversight for a college that serves roughly 33,000 students with an annual operating budget of about $149 million.

During his tenure, Tsang saw the college through the worst economic crisis since the passage of Proposition 13.

“Jeff has always been an advocate for faculty, and a bridge that facilitates dialogue between SMC’s various constituencies,” said Eve Adler, SMC Academic Senate President. “Our college is fortunate to have his leadership during this important transition.”

A seasoned leader in the community college system with extensive experience in collective bargaining and the accreditation process, Shimizu is known for his commitment to student success, equity and diversity.

He is also known for being a football and baseball coach, and for his work with the Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy and the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities Youth Program in Compton, which provides free academic and athletic support to inner city children along with the opportunity to be drafted into a major league.

Shimizu has served on the Chief Instructional Officer’s Technology Committee to the Chancellor’s Office, the Distance Education Taskforce, Commission of Athletics Athletic Director’s Organization, and the SMC Foundation Board.

He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and Kinesiology from California State University in Los Angeles and his Master’s Degree in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University.

“I’m looking forward to working with our Board to advance the college,” said Shimizu. “We have a lot of exciting programs in the works.”

While his appointment is for the interim – until the position is filled or January 1, 2016, whichever is shorter – Shimizu looks forward to having more opportunities to mingle with students.

“That’s one thing I’ve missed out on all these years as a vice president,” said Shimizu.

in News
Related Posts

Santa Monica Requests $6M To Expand Memorial Park

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

An Expansion Project Would Combine the 10.3-acre Park With an Adjacent 2.9 Acre Property. By Zach Armstrong The city of...

Get Ready For Cinematic Despair: American Cinematheque Presents Bleak Week

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

Explore the Darkest Depths of Humanity in a Gripping Showcase of Bleak Cinema Get ready for a captivating week of...

Sexual Assault Suspect in Custody After Stabbing Victim’s Friend

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

The Suspect Is Responsible for Another Recent Assault. On Saturday, May 27, 2023, at approximately 7:30 p.m., officers from the...

Mail and Package Thieves Detained by Santa Monica Police

May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023

The Suspect Possessed Counterfeit U.S. Postal Service Arrow Keys. Shortly before midnight on May 20, officers from the Santa Monica...

Pandemic-Induced Rent Debt Crisis Threatens Housing Stability

May 28, 2023

May 28, 2023

Low-Wage Workers and Communities of Color Disproportionately Affected By Dolores Quintana  Rental debt is an out-of-control problem that has worsened...

Spanish Revival Home On Market For Nearly $20M

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Property is Nestled Behind Gates and Features Eight Bedrooms By Zach Armstrong Over top of the Riviera Country Club,...

Santa Monica Ranked One of the Least Affordable U.S. Cities

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

Several Metrics Graded on a 100-point Scale to Make the Ranking. By Zach Armstrong The City of Santa Monica was...

(Video) Homelessness Exacerbated by Santa Monica Rail and Bus System

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The METRO and public bus system has reportedly been a large factor in Santa Monica’s homeless population. @smmirrornews Homelessness in...

Health Advisory: Los Angeles County Health Warns Against Swimming This Weekend

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

Public Health Issues Caution as Bacterial Levels Exceed Health Standards  The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents...

Women’s Boutique Closing After More Than 60 Years

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

Sumiko Started on Main Street in Santa Monica in 1962. By Zach Armstrong Women’s clothing boutique Sumiko is closing after...

With New Metro System, Santa Monicans Can Reach East L.A. Without Transfers

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

Riders Could Save as Much as 20 Minutes Going Downtown. By Zach Armstrong The Regional Connector transit project, a 1.9...

(Video) Holey Grail Donuts Embraces Sustainability and Veganism

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

Located in Santa Monica, this donut shop embraces high quality food along with sustainability practices. @smmirrornews Holey Grail Donuts in...

Don Victorino Has Spent 28 Years Expertly Cutting Meat For Tito’s Tacos

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

The Restaurant’s Tasty Tacos And Burritos Main Ingredient Is Hand Carved Tito’s Tacos, at 11222 Washington Place in Culver City,...

8th Annual “MAINopoly” Event Taking Place Memorial Day Weekend

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

The Event Offers A Delightful Twist On The Classic Board Game, Granting Participants Access To Tastings At More Than 20...

(Video) Student Art Gallery at Santa Monica College Begins May 25

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

The second part of Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Student Art Exhibition Starts May 25 @smmirrornews Santa Monica College’s 2nd part...