https://twitter.com/RCCNewsroom/status/479071203487780865

June 17, 2014

Milwaukee Area Technical College President Dr. Michael L. Burke was named the Riverside Community College District Chancellor at the June 17 Board of Trustees Meeting held at Moreno Valley College. The news works as the conclusion to a nine month search process.

“I’m thrilled,” Burke said. “As I said (during the meeting), they had me at hello.”

The announcement in the board meeting was followed by a recess with accompanying celebratory cupcakes.

RCCD Faculty Association President Dariush Haghighat was also enthused about the decision.

“He has so many qualifications that we were absolutely looking for in a chancellor that was lacking in the previous chancellor,” Haghighat said. “He came from inside the classroom… he has a real degree from a real university, not one of those for-profit institutions and then his commitment to diversity.”

Burke has a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and a Masters degree in English.

Burke was one of three candidates for the position of RCCD Chancellor. The other two candidates included Sacramento City College President Kathryn E. Jeffery and Saddleback College President Tod A. Burnett.

All three candidates were given the chance to speak at open forums hosted by each of the three colleges within the district for students, staff, and faculty to meet the candidates during the spring semester.

With 25 years of experience, Burke has worked for various community colleges across the country including California, Texas and Idaho.

Burke was the president of San Jose City College in 2007 and was president of Milwaukee Area Technical College since 2010.

Burke’s first day as RCCD Chancellor will begin on July 21.

Josa Lamont and James H. Williams contributed to this story.