Ventura College bid farewell to Tom Kimberling, vice president of business services, as he retired after 21 years of service in the community college district that began July 1, 1987.
“This college has become my family and although I’ll never miss the job, I’ll forever miss the people,” said Kimberling.
Kimberling is proud of the college’s current financial condition but wary of the future. “Our enrollment is excellent,” he said. “The budget is solid. But with the national and statewide economy we are going to have to be cautious with our spending.”
Kimberling joined the administration of Ventura College as business services vice president after serving in the same position for Oxnard College where, Kimberling said, he mentored Larry Calderon to be president of Ventura College. VC President Dr. Robin Calote praised Kimberling’s work.
“Tom has been really important to the institution. He is very well respected because of his fiscal talents and help in guiding the college during difficult financial times.”
“Even though he had this kind of tough guy exterior, taking care of business, he is a very caring person, a rough guy with a heart of gold,” Calote said.
Kimberling has had many successes in his career, including the adoption of his budget allocation models at San Diego, Grossmont, Saddleback and Los Angeles community colleges.
Many of the administrators and staff said Kimberling’s greatest talent is bringing a smile to everyone he came in contact with, adding that he is well known as a practical joker.
“Aside from the chancellor of the district, he’s probably the best known figure at all three colleges,” said Kathy Scott, dean of the Communication and Learning Resources Division.
“Tom is extraordinarily intelligent and has seen the college through some very difficult financial times,” Scott said. “He has watched over us as an institution for many years; we have the greatest faith in him.”
Kimberling’s career started in Fort Steilacoom Community College in Pierce County, Wash., when he was hired by Jim Sharpe, who he credits with getting him started in higher education finance.
“Dr. Larry Stevens was responsible for me being in California; he was chancellor of Saddleback Community College and he asked me to join him there as vice president of financial services in 1983,” Kimberling said.
“California has a rollercoaster of financial activity,” Kimberling said. “You can have one or two good years followed by one or two bad years, where you have to eliminate some programs or firing staff.
“It’s been tough. The trick is to find a balance and still meet the demands of our student population.”
Tough times called for tough decisions from Kimberling.
“Tom could be harsh at times but once you realized it was for the good of the institution, you have to admire him,” Scott said.
Ramiro Sanchez, executive vice president at Ventura College said, “Tom has a unique way of looking at things, and no one else’s.”
Nancy Oppliger was a student worker who reported to Kimberling. “I will remember him as a practical joker,” she said. “I would get fired once a week and we weren’t allowed to laugh. He’s a cool guy,” said Oppliger.
“The only reason that the Ventura campus is the only one of the three colleges in the district that allows smoking is due to Dr. Kimberling. He’s the one who gave us the ashtrays we have throughout campus,” Oppliger said.
Kimberling also taught accounting for eight years, and said that time was the best of his professional life.
“Out of my entire career, which has had many turns, the highlight has been teaching, [and] the students. It was frustrating to see students drop out, but I had a few successes.”
Kimberling said he and his replacement, David Keebler, have been working together for the past six weeks, to ease the transition.
