Existing contract extended through 2023

Our Weekly News Staff Writer

The Compton Community College District (CCCD) Board of Trustees approved a contract extension through June 30, 2023 for its president/chief executive officer, Dr. Keith Curry, who has served as the district’s permanent CEO since 2013.

“Dr. Curry’s dedication to Compton College can be seen in the continued improvements we are making in student success and retention, as well as accreditation. His efforts to address community college students’ basic needs statewide directly impact our students,” said CCCD Board President Sonia Lopez. “He is an energetic administrator and innovative educator who will continue to lead Compton College and its students on a path of excellence.”

Under Curry’s leadership, highlights from the past year include establishing the Compton College Oliver W. Conner Promise Program, which covers the first two years of enrollment fees at the college for recent high school graduates; securing a long-term planning grant from the College Futures Foundation designed to increase student achievement and success; and implementing guided pathways to ensure students set goals and stay on course to achieve them in a timely fashion.

“I am excited to lead Compton College and CCCD and look forward to working with our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students to continue our progress toward Compton College being the premier community college in California and nationally,” said Curry.

Curry became president of Compton College in June 2017 when the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges granted initial accreditation status. He was appointed permanent CEO of the Compton Community College District in July 2013 after serving as the interim CEO for the District since March 2011. Curry previously served as the dean of student services starting in 2006.

Throughout Curry’s tenure, many existing student support programs at Compton College have expanded and others were created, including the First Year Experience (FYE) program, Honors Transfer Program, Cosmetology program, Transfer Pathways partnerships, Early College High School, and the award-winning Formerly Incarcerated Student Transition Program.

Other positive outcomes in recent years include an increased number of degrees and certificates awarded; increased student enrollment and transfers; new full-time faculty members hired; the overwhelming approval of the Measure C facilities bond by voters; completion of new state-funded construction projects; and a balanced budget with reserve funds.