City College chancellor Dr. Don Q. Griffin speaks at rally in protest of recent budget cuts to education in California at the Ocean campus on April 3, 2008. ADM GOLUB / SPECIAL TO THE GUARDSMAN

A Q&A with Dr. Don Q. Griffin

In light of a state budget crisis, Dr. Don Q. Griffin recently assumed the office of Chancellor at City College. Having some experience as interim chancellor after Dr. Philip R. Day Jr. resigned as chancellor. The Guardsman had a chance to sit down with Griffin  to get to know our new chancellor.

Could you tell me a little bit about your background, where did you grow up?

Well, I was in Texas, but spent my early childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. From the ages of 10 to 17, I lived in the San Joaquin Valley in a little town and agricultural community named Le Moore. I think I got the best of worlds, a fair sized city and a small town. I am one of 18 siblings.

Wow, that’s a big family! Do you have family of your own?

Yes, I have two children and seven grandchildren.

I see you have a Ph.D in Psychology from the University of California. What other experience do you bring to the chancellorship?

Prior to coming to City College I was acting Associate Director of the Educational Opportunity Program and Assistant Director for the Special Admissions Programs.  I have also been at City College for 38 years as a teacher and administrator. Only in the last year and a half I started to think about the path to the chancellors office.

What is your biggest challenge going into the chancellor position?

The most critical goal is to deal with the financial crisis. We need to maintain a stable financial condition. Everyone relies on community colleges during times of high unemployment. We can challenge the bad economy by training people for green jobs. We still need to serve the community  directly by keeping doors open and continuing to offer the necessary programs and classes.

That sounds like a great plan, how do you feel now that you are the new chancellor?

Well, I think that this is going to be more work, I have to work a lot harder. I feel that you have to keep struggling to get better. I have an administration that is very supportive.  I have a lot of experience too.  I worked at City College for 38 years  and I took classes here and learned many things over the years. We have great teachers and great programs.

Do you plan any changes to the college’s policy of keeping the campus’ police unarmed?

I support the board of trustees’ policy not to arm the campus police. I see no reason to change that policy at this time. The campus police have done an excellent job of managing the safety of the school and I would like to get them more resources  continue to do so.

Anything else you would like to say to the City College Community?

I am happy to assume the responsibilities of chancellor and I plan to work hard for City College. I look forward to working with the City College community.

Interim Chancellor Dr. Don Q. Griffin

By Natalie Coreas
Staff Writer

The City College board of trustees announced the appointment of the college’s newest chancellor during the Nov. 20 board meeting.

After weeks of meetings and interviews with the three finalist for the position, board of trustees president Lawrence Wong made a quick announcement at the beginning of the board meeting that Interim Chancellor Dr. Don Q. Griffin will become the college’s 25th chancellor.  The announcement was met with applause and loud cheering from the unusually large audience in attendance.

“I think that this is a very critical time, not a bad time, but challenging because of the economy,” Griffin said after the announcement was made.

Griffin has been at City College for 39 years, working first as a psychology professor and then as the chair of the psychology department, with Interim Chancellor being Griffin’s most recent post.

Griffin said he will officially begin serving as chancellor on Dec. 1.

As chancellor, Griffin hopes to serve the communities that attend City College more efficiently.

“Aside from the budget, one of the issues that I’m interested in is the transition of high school students to college,” Griffin said.