The chancellor of California Community Colleges, Brice W. Harris, announced his plan to retire after leading the nation’s largest system of public higher education for over three years.

He stated in the October press release that he plans to retire in April 2016, .

“Representing 113 colleges and more than 2 million students has been a dream job,” said Harris in the press release. “No matter where I went as your chancellor I was greeted by people who sang your praises …no one ever said they received anything other than a great education at one of our colleges.”

Under Harris’ leadership, CCC implemented the Student Success Initiative, which made it easier for students to register for the classes they need, develop education plans, earn degrees and transfer to four-year universities.

Harris’ partnership with California’s legislature allowed some community colleges, including Moorpark College, to offer bachelor’s degrees for the first time in a certain number of applied career fields.

Harris also said that his timing to retire is right because many of the college system’s big initiatives will conclude later this year, leaving room for the next round of strategic planning next year.

Luis Sanchez, Moorpark College’s president, said he wasn’t happy after hearing Harris’ announcement.

“I am saddened to see Chancellor Harris step down, but his retirement is well-earned, and he leaves our colleges in excellent condition,” said Sanchez in an email. “I wish Chancellor Harris much happiness and abundant health, and I thank him for his many years of stellar leadership as a community college educator and leader.”

The Chancellor of Ventura County Community College District Bernard Luskin also shared Sanchez’s sentiments, especially because he’s a longtime personal friend and colleague of Harris.

“The Ventura County Community College District appreciates the tremendous contribution to community colleges and our district that has been made by Chancellor Brice Harris,” said Luskin in an email. “I am personally appreciative on our behalf that he came to visit us last month and honored our district by hosting a State Chancellor Circle meeting.”

Harris was tapped in
2012 as state chancellor after retiring from his position as chancellor of Los Rios Community
College District.