Welcome to Bakersfield College:
I am Dr. Bill Andrews, President of Bakersfield College. Let me tell you a little about my community college background. I have worked in the community college environment for 32 years in a total of four states: Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, and California. But more importantly, I am a product of the community college system. Many years ago I graduated with my Associate in Arts degree from Marshalltown (Iowa) Community College. That small two-year college in rural Iowa gets full credit for my having a doctorate in higher education administration and management and standing before you as a college president. Some of my grade school teachers would probably put this accomplishment into the miracle category! Needless to say, I am not only a firm believer in education; I believe that the community college is the key to success in higher education. Why? Because our mission is to take all students and give them the opportunity to succeed in higher education no matter what grades and preparation they bring to us.
Bakersfield College has a tradition of 93 years of excellence that I am committed to continuing into the future. I am sincerely honored to be at its service. This college clearly has the ability to help you succeed, just as Marshalltown Community College enabled me to do. The faculty, counselors, and librarians truly care about the success of all of our students. That is their only focus, unlike those positions at universities where they have to do research and writing in order to exist. They will go the extra mile to help you achieve your full potential. Our faculty, counselors, and librarians are supported by a superb group of staff and administrators who spend each day working to provide and improve services to promote your success because they love their jobs and care about people.
As a student, you have the primary responsibility to give your best in participating in this opportunity to grow through knowledge. We will give you every opportunity to grow and succeed, but we ask that you commit yourself to giving the time and effort required to learn. We cannot force you to succeed and grow intellectually, but Bakersfield College will do its best to provide you the opportunity and support to become a successful student. We know that most of you will have to balance classes and homework with jobs and family obligations, but we ask you to place your education and self-betterment as a priority for a few years. The ultimate pay-off is for all your future years of employment.
You will be academically challenged by our instructors. They aren’t going to hand you passing grades. They are committed to your intellectual growth, and they will expect you to do your best in striving to meet each course’s learning outcomes. Anticipate, appreciate, and meet that challenge.
Regardless of whether you select a course sequence that leads later to a baccalaureate degree at a university or select a shorter program that prepares you for a career in today’s workforce, we will do our best to prepare you to succeed.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bill Andrews
President
Bakersfield College
