This has truly been a banner year for collaboration between the CIO and CSSO organizations. Who would have predicted that our joint resolution at the Spring 2006 Conference in Riverside would result in a funded statewide Basic Skills Initiative that has the potential of revolutionizing our methods of delivering instruction and services to our students? Central to the development of this initiative and its implementation is the excellent working relationship both of our organizations are enjoying with the outstanding faculty leaders of the Academic Senate. It is now hard to believe that this whole “movement” was born out of a disagreement about Associate Degree requirements!

The “BSI Road Show”

Beginning with the July 2006 Board of Governors Retreat, where Robin Richards, Ian Walton, and I made an initial presentation, leaders of our three organizations have toured the state throughout the year, as the “BSI Road show” (as Ian Walton named it) was presented at numerous meetings, retreats, conferences, and institutes. I know that I speak for the leaders of all three organizations in expressing how rewarding our collaboration has been and how exciting it is for us now to be in the implementation phase. We are all very appreciative of the excellent support we have received from System Office staff, particularly from Vice Chancellor Carole Bogue-Feinour and Vice Chancellor Linda Michalowski.

CIO/CSSO Spring 2007 Conference

The Joint CIO/CSSO Spring 2007 Conference in San Francisco began with a day that both celebrated our accomplishments in regard to the Basic Skills Initiative and detailed the vast amount of work we have ahead of us. Through categorical funds secured through the System Office, this day featured nationally renowned speakers, including Dr. John Roueche—a dynamic “opening act.” CIOs and CSSOs met together throughout that day, attending sessions that featured members of both organizations, as well as faculty leaders. It is a tribute to our organizations that this opening day of the conference attracted numerous guests.

The remainder of the conference consisted of “something for everyone,” and I have heard from numerous CIOs and CSSOs that there seemed to be just the right balance between time spent together and time for the individual organizations. Sessions were well attended, and there was also ample time for networking and social interaction among our members. Our conference planning team—Mandy Davies, Lori Gaskin, and Claire Biancalana—modeled successful collaboration in the planning process, and the event reflected their creativity and careful attention to every detail.

In addition to our collaboration on a successful joint conference and on the Basic Skills Initiative, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Linda Lacy and other leaders of the CSSO organization this year on the Consultation Council and the many other committees, task forces, and workgroups through which we grapple with important educational issues. Since this is my second “tour of duty” as CCCCIO President, I have a basis for comparison. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my 2002-2003 term, what has distinguished this year for me is the enhanced collaboration with the CSSO organization and the relationship both organizations have developed with the Academic Senate. The fact that we are now actually in the implementation phase of the Basic Skills Initiative we began developing together just a year ago demonstrates for me just how much can be accomplished when we work together for our students.

2006-07 Associations Presidents:

CCCCIO President

Randal Lawson
Executive Vice President
Santa Monica College, California

Randal Lawson was appointed Executive Vice President on Jan. 1, 2005. From 1998 through 2004 he served as Vice President of Academic Affairs. Previously, he had served in several administrative positions, including Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, Administrative Dean of Instruction, Administrative Dean of Academic Personnel, and Dean of Arts.

After joining the SMC faculty in 1979, Lawson served as Music Department Chair and was the first coordinator of the Arts Mentor Program. Elected Academic Senate President in 1987, he was also a member of the Educational Policies Committee of the Academic Senate for the California Community Colleges during that academic year.

Lawson holds a Bachelor's of Music degree from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Music degree from the University of Southern California. As a pianist, he has performed in solo and chamber music recitals throughout Southern California and has appeared as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Oklahoma City Symphony Orchestra, University of Southern California Symphony Orchestra, and Santa Monica College Orchestra.

As the college's chief instructional officer, he led in the development of the curriculum for the successful Academy of Entertainment & Technology, in the creation of the High School Dual Enrollment Program, and in facilitating significant growth in the college's general instructional program. He serves as Accreditation Liaison Officer and co-chaired the 1998 and 2004 accreditation self-study processes.

A member of the Executive Board of the California Community Colleges Chief Instructional Officers organization since 2000, Lawson served as CCCCIO President in 2002-03 and again in 2006-07. He is also a member of the ETS (Educational Testing Service) National Community College Advisory Council.

Email: rlawson@smc.edu

4C2S2A President

Linda Lacy
Interim President
Riverside City College, California

Linda Lacy, Interim President of Riverside City College effective January 11, 2007, past Vice Chancellor of Student Services, has her B.S. from Oklahoma State University; M.S. from Central State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Oklahoma State University. Linda has dedicated 20 years to serving Riverside Community College in multiple capacities beginning in 1986 as an instructor and coach.

At RCCD, her current duties include overseeing the completion of the Quad renovation, the development of the Educational and Facilities Master Plan; the Accreditation Self-study; serves as liaison with the Wood Streets Association; and the general operation of the City Campus. As Vice Chancellor of Student Services and Operations, her background includes supervision of district functions such as student financial services, counseling, DSPS, admissions and records, health services, food services, bookstore, athletics, EOPS, international students, college outreach, job placement, tutorial, student activities, and college safety and police. Her administrative experience involves budget formulation and regulation, development of Board Policy, evaluation of managers, and development of the program review process for student services. She is currently the chair of the Riverside City Campus Strategic Planning Committee; past president of the Management Association; a graduate, chair, and past president of the Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program; and current president of the California Community College Chief Student Services Administrators Association. As president of the CCCCSSAAA, she represents 10 regions that encompass 109 community college campuses and she has a seat on the State Chancellors Consultation group.

Linda is also active within the community and is currently on the Boards of the Greater Chamber of Commerce, Riverside Downtown Partnership, and Wells Fargo Inland Bank. She has been involved with Kiwanis, the City Task Force, and the Orange Crest Little League.

About the Author

Randal Lawson
Executive Vice President
Santa Monica College, California

(See biography above.)

Email: rlawson@smc.edu