As the first to finish college in my family, I faced many of the same obstacles that many Santa Monica College students face today. So I understand that it is imperative for our community college to serve our community, and I have worked tirelessly to ensure it does just that.
During my service on the board, Santa Monica College has accomplished all of the following:
- #1 transfer school to the UC system, #1 to USC, #1 to Loyola Marymount, #1 to Pepperdine
- #1 in local community participation according to the California Community College’s Chancellor’s Office
- Kept Emeritus College thriving and vibrant for our elder community
- Renewed its commitment to environmental justice and sustainability, including with key early support for the Expo Line and SMC’s innovative program with the Big Blue Bus “Any Line, Any Time”
- Supported SMC’s founding commitment to the Education Collaborative and the “Cradle to Career” initiative
During my tenure as Chair of the Board of Trustees, I led Santa Monica College as we:
- Chose its new Superintendent/President, Dr. Kathryn Jeffery
- Were approved for to grant a Bachelor’s Degree in Interaction Design for this fall, 2016
- Held our first-ever joint meeting with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
- Founded The Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center
- Awarded the highest number of degrees and certificates in SMC history
- Entered in the LA HI-TECH Coalition with leading educational and industry partners to help students find good jobs in our increasingly technical workforce
My leadership has been critical in key areas:
- Getting approval for a Malibu campus with my service as Chair of the Malibu Public Facilities Authority, a joint agency with the City of Malibu
- Re-establishing SMC’s KCRW as the leading public radio station in the United States with my leadership as a member on the KCRW Foundation Board
- Achieving 13 straight years of “clean audits” without a financial finding with my participation on the Financial Audit Task Force, including prudent use of bond funds
I promise to:
- Preserve SMC’s academic excellence as the top transfer school
- Use my business/finance background to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely
- Support SMC’s specialized programs, including Emeritus College
- Build bridges with neighborhoods, the City of Santa Monica, the City of Malibu and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
- Include all members of our community in decision-making: faculty, employees, students, residents and local businesses
I have the vision, determination, experience and ability to provide the leadership to maintain Santa Monica College’s tradition of excellence.
I welcome your support as I work for our kids and our College!
– Rob Greenstein Rader