Wakefield right choice for Community Colleges

THE Seattle Community Colleges board couldn't have picked a better candidate to take over the helm of the three-college district.

Anyone who has spent time with Jill Wakefield knows the South Seattle Community College president is a shameless opportunist — that is, on behalf of people who can benefit from the unique role of community colleges in the state's higher-education system.

She is passionate about the opportunity the colleges promise, whether it is for students simply to learn English, a specific vocational expertise or prepare to transfer to a four-year university.

Wakefield will push the envelope with a bulldozer if it advances the reach of the colleges to serve community members.

Three years ago, she argued persuasively on these pages that the state's community colleges should be able to offer applied bachelor's degrees at community colleges, providing more means for people who couldn't get four-year degrees in a crowded university system.

The proposal rankled some administrators at four-year universities, but Wakefield argued community colleges could help the state meet the demand for more bachelor's degrees in a cost-effective way, helping people create their own opportunities. South Seattle was one of the first pilot programs, offering a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in hospitality management.

Also under her tenure, South Seattle created a nationally renowned bilingual certified nursing program. Non-English-speaking students could learn their nursing skills while also honing their English skills.

Wakefield will take over as chancellor Jan. 1 from Charles Mitchell, who has had the job since 2003. He has been planning his retirement for a while, but he can't get away that easily.

Lucky for Wakefield and the district, her longtime mentor, Mitchell, will be a consultant through 2009. He'll be in charge of the district's "Power & Promise" fundraising campaign.

The good news for our region is that Seattle Community Colleges' three campuses, vocational institute and about 50,000 students will continue under credible and impressive leadership.