By Qi Mai
qmai10@mail.ccsf.edu
On Feb. 27, 2025, Interim Chancellor Mitchell Bailey announced that David Yee had been appointed the permanent Vice Chancellor for Academic and Institutional Affairs.
In his announcement, Bailey stated: “Mr. Yee is a City College success story. Beginning as a physics student and later returning as a faculty member, department chair, Academic Senate president, and, for the last decade, as dean of our Evans Center and the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics before assuming the role of interim Vice Chancellor, Mr. Yee has a four-decade relationship with City College. He has proven himself to be a trusted academic leader, a champion of students, a valued partner and collaborator, and an advocate for our college.” Following the Chancellor’s vision, The Guardsman has explored the remarkable journey of Vice Chancellor David Yee.
A Champion of Students
David Yee was born and raised in San Francisco by a Chinese immigrant family. In 1982, he became the first in his family to attend college. His initial academic plan was to take general courses at City College and then transfer to UC Berkeley to major in engineering science, leading to a career in engineering. David excelled in his studies. His political science instructors even asked if he would be interested in tutoring the subject. Surprised but eager, he agreed. After the interview, he got the position, his very first job. “I have my first job!” he recalled with excitement.
During the 1980s and 90s, community colleges saw an increase in both domestic and international students. At City College, many students came from Asia, the Middle East, and Arabic-speaking regions. They frequently sought help at the Learning Assistance Center, where David tutored them.
Throughout nearly two years of tutoring, Yee grew alongside his students, he learned about diverse cultures, developed communication skills, and, most importantly, discovered a passion for teaching. “I found tutoring fun and engaging. When I reviewed students’ papers, I saw it as an art like dancing, where letters were notes and words formed rhythms. That’s when I realized I enjoyed teaching.”
This realization reshaped his career aspirations as teaching gradually replaced engineering as his primary focus. He decided to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics to return to City College as a teacher. This decision extended his studies at City College by an additional year.
David Yee’s tutoring experience exemplifies how education should be subtle, enjoyable, and deeply embedded in students’ hearts. It gradually nurtures their interests, leading him to change careers and ultimately succeed as professional teachers. A famous Chinese poem by Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu encapsulates Yee’s transformation: “It (a good rain)falls softly with the wind, moistening everything in silence.” Like the quiet yet transformative spring rain, Yee’s experience at City College nurtured his journey into education.
From Student to Faculty
In 1985, UC Berkeley rejected Yee’s application, so he instead transferred to San Francisco State University to major in physics. To return to teach at City College he would need a master’s degree, so he continued his graduate studies.
During his second year of graduate school, he learned about a temporary job position at City College. Some doubted his chances, saying, “You don’t have a master’s degree and teaching experience. You should give up.” But he was determined, having always had the college in his sights. He applied, was hired, and balanced teaching while completing his master’s.
In his first year of teaching, Yee taught General Physics in a large lecture hall with over 100 students. Over time, he expanded his expertise, teaching physics courses to scientists and engineers. He loved teaching. In 1994, during his third year, he secured a permanent faculty position. By his fourth year, at just 30 years old, he was appointed department chair, marking the beginning of his leadership journey.
A Trusted Academic Leader
Throughout his 30s, David Yee held multiple leadership roles, including serving on the Faculty Academic Senate and Executive Council. His most significant impact came from his two decades as Dean of the Evans Center. No matter where or when people talk about him, they all give him their respect and approval.
“David is amazing,” praised physics instructor Dr. Roger King. “He has deep institutional knowledge of City College and truly cares about the college community. As department chair and dean, he was a great problem solver. If he didn’t know the solution to a problem, he knew exactly who to contact. He’s the perfect choice for Vice Chancellor.”
Garth A. Kwiecien, Senior Director of Administrative Services, recalled that several years ago, he and Yee worked together on the community’s charge piles project. “He loves meeting new people, and he does things very effectively. He is great, and I like him. I know his team members, and it’s a great team.” He also knows Yee’s fondness for soda.
Dr. Edith A. L. Kaeuper, Dean of the School of Health and Public Safety at John Adams Center, echoed these sentiments: “I’ve known him for 25 years. He’s amazing and does a great job. I’m very happy he’s my boss. He doesn’t talk much about his achievements, but he’s highly accomplished.” Kaeuper explained that back when Yee taught physics and was chair of the Academic Senate, she worked with him to change the minimum qualifications for hiring faculty in new areas of biotechnology. That change became a statewide standard in California.
This year marks Yee’s 35th anniversary at City College. A person leaves their reputation wherever they stay, just as a goose leaves its voice wherever it flies. David Yee has left a lasting legacy at City College, earning deep respect across the institution.
The Road Ahead
David Yee is the first male Chinese Vice Chancellor in City College’s history. He is deeply familiar with academic operations, regulations and policies. Beyond daily management, his team is working to improve operational efficiency, maximize resources and address critical challenges like staff shortages and underutilized buildings.
One proposed solution involves consolidating some classes into fewer buildings rather than spreading them across different locations. This would allow the college to allocate resources more effectively while ensuring a manageable workload for staff.
Regarding the complexities of current government policies, he emphasizes that academic operations must also prioritize student support. City College offers numerous resources for students, and his team works to ensure the institution secures sufficient funding and grants to sustain these programs.
He strongly encourages students to apply for available support services. In particular, he urges international and undocumented students to seek assistance from the City DREAM office when needed. Yee also highlights that when international students face academic challenges, City College may introduce additional classes to support them. His team remains committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
Looking ahead, David Yee and his team are focused on sustainable enrollment growth across Chinatown (North Beach), Downtown, Evans, John Adams, Mission, and Ocean campuses, as well as CityOnline.
Following Interim Chancellor Bailey’s personal appointment of Yee, he spoke to the qualities that made him the right candidate for the job. “He’s a trusted, respected academic leader. He knows this college inside and out and has the institutional knowledge that we need right now. He has a manner, personality and approach that engages people and tries to reach consensus and collaboration. So he is really going to serve the Academic and Institutional Affairs Division well.”