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New Berkeley City College President Comes from Accrediting Commission

Keith Burbank (BCN)
Thursday January 14, 2016 - 08:42:00 AM

The Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees appointed an interim president of Berkeley City College last week as current president Deborah Budd leaves for a new job.  

Budd, who holds a doctorate in educational leadership, was hired as chancellor of the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District. She starts Jan. 25.  

The board appointed Krista Johns as interim president of Berkeley City College at a special Peralta Community College District board of trustees meeting Jan. 5. 

Johns, who earned a law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology, has worked for the past four years as vice president for policy and research at the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of School and Colleges.  

Peralta Community College District Chancellor Jowel Laguerre, Ph.D., said in a statement, "I am very pleased that the Trustees have made this appointment and look forward to working with Dr. Johns on the important issues facing Berkeley City College and the Peralta Colleges generally." 

"Dr. Johns is the right fit for BCC at the right time." 

Johns has held jobs as either faculty, director or dean at the University of Mississippi, University of Nevada-Reno and Diablo Valley College. She has published work on learning, the law and change management.  

"My four years at the ACCJC have been invaluable in enhancing my understanding and knowledge of community colleges across the state, the challenges they face and the importance of adherence to quality standards," Johns said in a statement.  

"I am excited about joining Chancellor Laguerre, the Peralta Colleges presidents and the faculty, staff and administration at BCC in creating an environment that can serve as a model for others."