Las Positas College President Retires

LIVERMORE, CA - From Las Positas College: Las Positas College (LPC) announced the retirement of beloved college President, Dr. Barry A. Russell, Ph.D.

Dr. Russell is the sixth president of Las Positas College. He began his tenure five years ago at LPC after serving as the vice chancellor of academic affairs at the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office in Sacramento beginning in 2009. During his time in that role, Dr. Russell was committed to growing of the 112 California community colleges. His work encompassed areas including academic planning, academic support programs, program approval, and the review of degrees and certificates.

Prior to that statewide role, Dr. Russell served as vice president of instruction at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed. Prior to that, Russell served as the dean of fine arts and communication at Cerritos College and Southwestern College in Chula Vista respectively.

Las Positas College recently honored Dr. Russell with an official retirement party, which took place at LPC on Tuesday, April 17th. Well over 200 people attended, including LPC staff, faculty, students, and many community leaders. In addition, many members of the community who came to pay tribute to, and honor Dr. Russell, included non-profit organizations and community leaders within the local fields of arts, education and various other public sectors.

Local dignitaries who spoke publicly on behalf of Dr. Russell at his official retirement party include: LPC Interim President, Roanna Bennie; LPC Classified Senate representative, Heidi Ulrech; Academic Senate President, Melissa Korber; and from the Faculty Association, LaVaughn Hart. Additionally, Dr. Russell received public accolades from California State Senator Steven Glazer and Assemblywoman Catherine Baker, who presented a commendation to Dr. Russell.

"Dr. Russell's love for the college, the students, and the staff was always evident through everything he did," said Chabot-Las Positas Community College District (CLPCCD) Chancellor Dr. Jannett Jackson. "He always did a tremendous job at expanding our community outreach and building new partnerships with area businesses and non-profit organizations throughout his five-year tenure. Dr. Russell has always been focused on bringing new educational opportunities to our students. He will be truly missed, and we wish him only the best in this new chapter of his life."

Dr. Russell says "After serving as President at LPC for the past five years, I am delighted to say that I am proud of the work we have accomplished and the goals we have achieved at the college. The coordinated efforts of the faculty, staff, and administration have made a significant difference for all involved with the college. I leave behind many friends and co-workers who have become my 'close family' over the course of these last years."

Prior to his presidency at LPC, Dr. Russell's achievements include earning his Ph.D. degree from the University of Texas, Austin in 1991. In addition, he holds dual degrees from Texas A&M University in both Music and Commerce. Further, his alma matterhonored and acknowledged him for a second time in 2012 as a Distinguished Graduate of the Community College Leadership Program.

In 2010, he was awarded the Carter Doran Leadership Award from the California Chief Instructional Officers of the California Community Colleges. Additionally, Dr. Russell was awarded the Instructional Leadership Award from the National Instructional Administrators, an affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges in 2009.

Ms. Roanna Bennie is currently serving as Las Positas College Interim President, until further notice.

Photo courtesy of La Positas College