Kern Community College District announced two senior personnel changes Tuesday, saying its chancellor is leaving for a position in Arizona and, separately, that Bakersfield College’s interim president will take over on a permanent basis even though the board responsible for approving her appointment won’t vote on it until Thursday.
Chancellor Steven Bloomberg, who assumed his role in March 2024, has accepted the same position at Maricopa County Community College District, one of the country’s largest multi-campus systems, KCCD said in a 7:21 p.m. news release. There was no word on when will be his last day at KCCD.
A KCCD news release early in the day said Stacy Pfluger has been named the college’s 12th president, having demonstrated a collaborative, student-centered approach during the 12 months since the departure of her predecessor.
The KCCD board is scheduled to take up the question Thursday of whether to sign off on her appointment to the presidency. When asked for an explanation, spokeswoman Norma Rojas-Mora said by email Bloomberg identified Pfluger as “the candidate recommended for appointment” following a search that included stakeholder engagement opportunities, finalist interviews and open public forums.
The pay Pfluger will be offered is not publicly known; an employment contract was not included with the board’s agenda as of Tuesday evening.
The release related to Bloomberg said, with no specificity, that he advanced several strategic initiatives focused on educational access, workforce development, student support and employee growth across the three-college district.
Bloomberg said in the release that serving KCCD has been “an incredible honor.”
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, administrators, students and community partners,” he stated. “Together, we have continued advancing opportunities for students and strengthening the important role our colleges play throughout the region. While I am excited for this next chapter, Kern CCD will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Added board President Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg, “Chancellor Bloomberg has brought thoughtful leadership, vision and a strong commitment to student success during his time with Kern CCD.”
KCCD noted its board will begin talking about a leadership transition. It did not say how or when the process will take place.
Pfluger, before coming to KCCD, worked as provost of Southeast Arkansas College, where she was chief academic officer and chief student affairs officer. She was credited with leading an academic assessment process at the college, increasing the number of students completing the units they attempted, and introducing a mostly eight-week course schedule.
Before that, during 14 years at Angelina College, Pfluger worked as lead biology professor, associate dean of instruction for science and mathematics and assistant vice president of academic affairs.
Pfluger earned a master’s degree in biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame and a doctorate of education at Texas Tech University.
“Dr. Pfluger’s leadership has consistently reflected a steady, thoughtful and deep commitment to the students and communities we serve throughout her career in higher education,” Bloomberg stated in the earlier news release.
“She brings a strong understanding of our college, our community and the work ahead,” he added, “and I am confident she will continue building meaningful relationships and moving Bakersfield College forward in positive ways.”
Gomez-Heitzeberg did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. But she said in the release about BC’s new president that the board appreciates the leadership Pfluger has provided during her time as interim president.
“We believe her experience, collaborative leadership style and focus on student success position Bakersfield College well for the future,” Gomez-Heitzeberg stated. “In a relatively short time, she has built strong relationships throughout the community and established meaningful partnerships that will continue benefiting the college and our students.”
Pfluger has served on the boards of Kern Economic Development Corp. and the American Heart Association. She volunteers with the Higher Learning Commission and the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
“I am honored to serve as president of Bakersfield College,” Pfluger said in the release. “BC has a proud tradition of changing lives through education, and I look forward to continuing our work together in support of our students and community.”
She continued, “Our mission remains rooted in expanding opportunity, supporting student success and preparing students for the future.”
Pfluger’s predecessor in the position, Jerry Fliger, filled the position for about a year and two months.
No explanation was given for his sudden exit.