A Fond Farewell to President Schulz
Over the last six years, thousands of students met President Greg Schulz as he worked his way through the Fullerton College campus during the first week of each semester. He enjoyed dropping in on classes to welcome students, often sharing his own story as a Fullerton College student. He put students at ease by sharing how he initially struggled with his grades and finding his way, but he found his way with the help of faculty and staff and went on to transfer, and eventually become president and a proud alumnus.
Normally in a business suit and his trademark Converse or Vans sneakers, he was visible throughout the campus and made himself available to students. For many students, this first connection became the start of many more to come and would help define their Fullerton College experience.
“There is no pretense in how Dr. Schulz shows his care for Fullerton College students. His warmth and inclusivity will be missed,” said Fullerton College Student Trustee Erin Lacorte.
Missed indeed. Dr. Schulz has been asked to serve as the next Superintendent/President of Citrus College, effective July 1. This is his last week as president of Fullerton College. But as every member of the college community knows, “Once a Hornet. Always a Hornet.”
Members of the campus community who would like to visit with Dr. Schulz are invited to attend his final Open Office Hour on Thursday, June 24 from 9-10 a.m. on Zoom. Follow this Zoom Meeting link or use Meeting ID: 950 7225 4267, Passcode: 578713. There will also be a reception with light hors d’oeuvres in the Quad from 3-5 p.m. on June 24. Mask wearing and social distancing will be practiced.
Dr. Schulz’ tenure can be marked by many changes at Fullerton College. While initiatives are collaborative and actively involve a variety of talented colleagues and students from across campus, Dr. Schulz ushered an era that the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges commended as having a “culture of trust, collegiality, communication, effective working relationships, and a committed focus on ‘radical student-centeredness.’ Everyone is supporting the engagement and success of the students…”
Dr. Schulz has over 20 years of leadership experience in community colleges and higher education. He began his tenure in community colleges at the NOCCCD School of Continuing Education, now named North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE), as the manager of administrative services, where he managed the budgets and fiscal operations of the school, before accepting the position of dean of instruction and student services at the NOCCCD Anaheim Campus. He next transitioned to Long Beach City College where he served as dean of trades, industrial, and career technologies. He was later appointed to provost of the NOCCCD School of Continuing Education in July 2012. He was then appointed to serve as interim president of Fullerton College in July 2015 and later appointed president of Fullerton College in April 2016.
The outstanding faculty and staff of Fullerton College have thrived under his leadership, as Fullerton College has been ranked No. 1 in transfers to the California State University system in two of the past four years, and consistently ranks No. 1 in transfer to California State University, Fullerton. In addition, Fullerton College has increased the number of associate degrees awarded each year for 11 years in a row.
The connection between Fullerton College and California State University, Fullerton is strong and valued by each institution.
“Dr. Schulz has been a valued partner at Fullerton College, sending California State University, Fullerton our largest number of community college transfers. He will be greatly missed, and we wish him the very best as he continues sharing his leadership and vision with more generations of students at Citrus College. They are lucky to have him,” said, Fram Virjee, President of California State University, Fullerton.
During the last three years, Fullerton College has launched strategic partnerships with regional educational institutions, including the Fullerton Education Partnership and the North Orange Promise. These two-years free tuition programs are building vital connections to local high school students by making college affordable, accessible, and equitable in addressing students’ needs.
Dr. Kim Orlijan works closely with Dr. Schulz in her role as president of the Faculty Senate and appreciates how he develops and fosters meaningful and collaborative working relationships.
“Dr. Schulz built strong relationships with so many at Fullerton College, and that relationship building helped to create a very special campus culture. His genuine and earnest desire for charting the best course for the Fullerton College community, coupled with his eagerness to collaborate with others in charting that course, has made Fullerton College a better place,” she said. “Dr. Schulz’ example of how a leader should listen (empathetically, sincerely, and often), how a leader should act (conscientiously, ethically, and intentionally), and how a leader should inspire others to do better and to work together toward the common good will forever impact me and many others at Fullerton College.”
Classified Senate President Marwin Luminarias shared a similar experience.
“Dr. Schulz’ legacy is creating a campus that is radically student-centered. But few people realize that Greg was also radically classified-centered. His leadership boosted staff morale and created more opportunities for classified professionals to attend conferences; he help start the Kindness Campaign at FC, encouraged more classified participation during Staff Development Day, and ensured that all staff, including our colleagues from the PM shift, could attend Classified Appreciation events,” Luminarias said. “His support for Classified professionals at Fullerton College will be missed.”
During his tenure, the physical landscape of the college began significant improvements with the start of Measure J-funded work. Notably, a three-story, 74,927-square feet building for the Humanities Division is nearly finished with a groundbreaking expected in the late fall.
Dr. Schulz offers steadfast support to underrepresented students. He has been an active participant in the African American Male Education Network & Development (A2MEND) organization and was awarded the A2MEND Educational Leadership Award in 2020 which recognizes advocacy, mentorship, and support for increasing the success of African American males in both community colleges and beyond.
During a time of significant partisan divide, he consistently approached challenges students faced through an equity lens and reinforced that Fullerton College was radically student-centered. This came in the form of campus-wide memos that introduced support for students at critical moments and followed up through action. Just a few examples include supporting undocumented students when DACA was challenged and when undocumented students were not financially supported at the national level during the pandemic; joining the California Community College Equity Leadership Alliance and championing the college’s Commitment to Antiracism, and continuous care throughout the pandemic by supporting new and innovative ways to support the basic needs of students.
An avid sports fan, Dr. Schulz threw out many first pitches, including one at the inaugural FC Night at Angel Stadium, and attended many Hornets competitions. He also provided statewide leadership by serving on the Board of Directors for the California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA) and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the CCCAA Board of Directors.
The national search to replace Dr. Schulz will begin this fall. In the immediate coming weeks, while an interim president is selected, Vice President of Student Services Dr. Gilbert Contreras will serve as the acting president from June 25 through July 30. The interim president is expected to serve throughout the 2021-2022 academic year while a comprehensive search is conducted, according to North Orange County Community College District Chancellor Dr. Cheryl Marshall.
“He will be greatly missed in our district, but we know he will be an asset to Citrus College, their students, and the local community,” Dr. Marshall said. “We congratulate Greg on his new position and thank him for his many contributions to NOCCCD.”
