Chancellor Debbie Budd explains her standards of conducting the district’s affairs.

Larry L. Harris

Times staff

It is said that hardship produces strength and character. Some of Budd’s early childhood experiences give insight into her determined character.  As a young asthmatic track runner, Budd said, after every practice she would become sick to her stomach and vomit. She continued on and finally conquered this childhood illness and received an award from the middle school track team for dedication, determination, character and courage “because I could push myself and really be there for the team.”

Budd, who had led a college and worked at a district level, said she thought her experience would benefit the district, and that prompted her to become the chancellor.

“I have teaching experience and instructional experience having worked as of vice president of instruction,” Budd said. “I have finance experience by being vice president of finance. I really care about students and really want to be sure that I was able to help and ensure student success and that we were doing the right things.”

The hiring committee reviewed the 14 out of the 44 chancellor applications and selected three for final review and board approval. What were the emotions that ran through your mind during the waiting process? Budd said, “ It was somewhat sad to be leaving Berkley City College because we had done such incredible work there and it is always sad to leave people who you have worked with for such a long time however I also saw how my experiences and strengths would really be a benefit here (SJECCD).”

At a welcoming ceremony for the chancellor, President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Dave Cortese complimented the chancellor and said, “I am so impressed with the energy and leadership she brings to the job”

Moving the district forward requires leadership for its faculty and staff, Budd explains two points of her leadership style.

“Leadership is working with a team and ensuring that everyone has the information they need,” Budd said. “It is about really having a passion for what you do, having integrity, creating a caring environment, getting to know people, and having that intimacy (with the people you work with).

“The other important thing of being a leader is being impeccable with your word, not taking things personally, doing your best, modeling and creating a safe and caring environment where people want to be involved,” said Budd.

Budd continued on to describe her strengths as dedication and determination.

“I have a strong character, and absolutely the ability to do the right thing and to do things right. I have a strong budget background with a business economics degree as well as a physical education degree. My doctorate is a strength with a focus on social justice, equity and ensuring institutional effectiveness as that relationship ties to the transfer rates of African-American and Latino students,” Budd said, “ I continue looking at different ways to help students to be successful and I look forward to working with the colleges so we can increase that success.”

Understanding that the term “Social Justice” has been a widely discussed and debated topic within the district, Budd explained that her definition of Social Justice is serving and allowing all individuals to have opportunity.

“We do this by offering adult education, going into high schools and allow students to take college classes for free. Social Justice is insuring that students know that they can go to college, get a degree or certificate and move on with a scholarship, helping them know that college is accessible and helping them with the necessary resources,” Budd said.

Looking forward, Budd shared her vision for the district.

“My vision is that SJECCD becomes known as the district of Silicon Valley, that it’s the first choice for students to attend. I want students in high school to know that this is an option that they can go directly to SJCC or Evergreen Valley Community College from high school or even complete their AA degree in high school,” Budd said.

Associated Student Body President Sia Saqee said this about the chancellor, “The Chancellor carries a wealth of experience and knowledge. She is a go-getter and believes in getting things done in a timely manner. She is concerned about the interests of the students and the school in general.”