Community colleges have long been considered important educational institutions. Increasingly, they have become engines of economic development by providing critical workforce training and building valuable community partnerships. Few leaders have embraced this expanding role more effectively than Dr. Rick MacLennan, chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District.
Like many others throughout the county, I was stunned to learn that a 3-2 majority of the district's Board of Trustees voted not to renew Dr. MacLennan's contract. I urge the board to reconsider. As executive director of Cal Lutheran's Center for Economic Research and Forecasting, I spend considerable time and resources analyzing the forces that shape Ventura County's economy. Few community leaders have had as positive an impact on that future as Dr. MacLennan.
Over the past several years, Dr. MacLennan has worked tirelessly to build relationships between the colleges and the organizations that shape our regional economy. He has brought together local businesses, the Naval Base, county government, chambers of commerce, and our four-year universities around a common question: How can our community colleges better prepare students while strengthening Ventura County's economy?
This has not been symbolic outreach. It has produced valuable partnerships. When Dr. MacLennan learned that the district's relationship with Naval Base Ventura County had weakened, he made rebuilding it a priority. Recognizing the importance of large incumbent employers such as Amgen and Haas Automation, he met with their leadership seeking to better understand their workforce needs and how the colleges could support their growth. During a time when jobs and people have been leaving the county for other regions, Dr. MacLennan has been one of the most effective leaders actively working to keep opportunity here.
His leadership extends well beyond business. Dr. MacLennan helped establish the Chancellor's Strategic Advisory Council, bringing together leaders from across Ventura County to provide candid advice and to strengthen ties between the colleges and the broader community. As a former student of both Ventura and Oxnard Colleges, I feel tremendous pride in serving on that council. And I can say from firsthand experience that it is far more than a ceremonial committee. Dr. MacLennan listens carefully, asks thoughtful questions and acts on what he learns.
Dr. MacLennan is also a highly visible participant in the broader civic life of Ventura County. He supports the Ventura County Leadership Academy, attends chamber events, advocates for housing solutions, and speaks passionately about the life-changing value of higher education. That message matters. An associate's degree can increase a student's lifetime earnings by as much as one million dollars. And many of the district's graduates remain here to build careers, raise families and contribute to our local economy.
Perhaps just as importantly, Dr. MacLennan's collaborative leadership has spread throughout the district. Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu has become one of Ventura County's most respected civic leaders, reflecting a culture that encourages college presidents to strongly engage with the communities they serve.
It wasn't long ago that our community college district struggled under probation from the state accrediting commission. Today, it is widely recognized as a vital strategic partner helping shape Ventura County's future. That transformation did not happen by accident. It happened because of deliberate leadership.
Replacing leaders is sometimes necessary. But replacing successful leaders without a compelling reason carries real consequences. Ventura County has benefited enormously from Dr. Rick MacLennan's leadership. Before the Board of Trustees finalizes this decision, it should carefully consider what our community stands to lose.
The board will meet Aug. 11 at the Ventura County Community College District Office. If you believe our community colleges should continue building strong partnerships that benefit students, employers and the broader county economy, I encourage you to attend and to make your voice heard.
Matthew Fienup, PhD, is the executive director of Cal Lutheran's Center for Economic Research and Forecasting.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County needs Rick MacLennan | Your Turn