Milwaukee Area Technical College’s president, Michael Burke, will return to California after accepting a position as chancellor of the Riverside Community College District in Riverside, Calif.
An email announcing Burke’s departure was sent to all MATC employees on behalf of MATC District Chairperson Bobbie Webber on Wednesday morning.
“Last evening, the Milwaukee Area Technical College District Board was informed that MATC President Dr. Michael L. Burke has accepted the chancellor position at the Riverside Community College District in California,” the email stated. “The District Board appreciates Dr. Burke’s service to MATC and wishes him well in his new position.”
Burke, who is MATC’s ninth president, has been at the helm of the technical college since January 2010. Prior to his tenure at MATC, he was president of San Jose City College in San Jose, Calif., from 2007 to 2010 and president of North Idaho College from 1998 to 2007.
He will start his new position at Riverside Community College District on July 21, according to an announcement from the California school.
“We are very pleased to have attracted a proven academic leader and chief executive officer who has experience in community colleges in California and other states,” said Riverside’s board president, Virginia Blumenthal. “Dr. Burke is known for his skill in balancing core academic programs with career technical education programs, achieving results that translate directly to student success and stronger communities.”
Riverside Community College District encompasses three independently accredited colleges and educates close to 100,000 students a year, according to the announcement. The college district also has partnerships with six local K-12 school districts.
MATC’s student body totals approximately 43,000.
Vicki Martin, executive vice president and provost of MATC, will help lead MATC through its time of transition as the school conducts a search for Burke’s replacement, according to Webber’s email.
It is not yet clear when MATC will launch its presidential search. The next step in the school’s transition will follow the lead of the district board, which will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, June 24, according to school officials.
