Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson and the District Service Center (DSC) leadership team completed their district-wide tour on September 10-11, visiting Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College, with an encore presentation at the District Service Center on October 9, 2025. The roadshow provided a direct channel for communication with faculty, classified professionals, and administrators, focusing on strategic planning and new initiatives designed to unify and strengthen the district. 

A Strong Financial Foundation for Future Growth

During the tour, Deputy Chancellor and COO Greg Nelson delivered encouraging news. Thanks to strategic financial decisions made last year, the district's credit rating has improved by two notches to an "AA+" rating with a "stable" outlook from Fitch and Standard & Poor. Those financial decisions made last year have created a two-year "runway" for the district to focus on long-term strategic planning without the pressure of imminent budget cuts. 

Unifying the District: The "Gardener's Secret" 

Chancellor Gilkerson shared her vision for a more cohesive Peralta, using the metaphor of the "Gardener's Secret"—the idea that strategic pruning promotes healthy growth. This approach will guide the district's focus on six key areas: 

• Program Assessment: Analyzing courses and programs to eliminate duplication and ensure sustainability. 

• Evening and Weekend College: Creating new opportunities for working students to access education. 

• Distance Education: Consolidating online offerings to ensure consistent quality and support. 

• Dual Enrollment: Consolidating partnerships for better coordination between the colleges and high school districts. 

• Concurrent Enrollment: Creating and expanding relationships with middle schools, high schools and four-year universities to create seamless pathways. 

• Strategic Unification: Building a stronger, more integrated network of colleges by fostering collaboration and ending internal competition. 

Dr. Gilkerson noted that on Flex Day, people heard “Oakland City College” and unfortunately didn’t give much attention to the five other areas of opportunity that are essential for unification. She clarified that by doing all these things, we will transform to make three stronger colleges with less fragmentation and competition, and greater focus on students and their success. The work to be done by our shared governance committees and task forces will set the district for long-term sustainability – for students, employees, and the community we serve.  

“I get that people are concerned. I totally get it. But the goal here is to position us to grow by doing the things our students are telling us they need and want,” said Chancellor Gilkerson. “An example of ‘prune to grow’ can be seen with the new shuttle bus service. Our students take classes at multiple campuses so we’re embracing the swirl and making it easier for them to do so.” She continued, “Ultimately, I want to add sections. We have two years to position us for growth by going through this transformation process." 

Immediate Improvements to the Student and Employee Experience 

In addition to long-term plans, several initiatives are already completed or in motion to improve the student and employee experience: 

• HR Office Hours: Vice Chancellor of Human Resources S. Jamila Buckner noted that colleagues from HR will be holding monthly office hours at each college to address campus-specific needs. 
• Student Success Navigators: Vice Chancellor of Educational Services Dr. Tina Vasconcellos highlighted this new "no wrong door" approach which provides students with well-trained ambassadors who can answer questions, offer financial aid support, and help address basic needs. 
• Technology Upgrades: Chief Technology and Information Officer Antoine Mehouelley noted a key technological improvement has automated student account provisioning, reducing the time from application to receiving Peralta credentials from days to just two hours. 
• Peralta's "Shuttle Bus" Program: Launching on December 1st, this new shuttle service will connect all four campuses, running Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during class sessions. 
  
• PeraltaSafety App: Interim Executive Director of Community Safety Abdul Pridgen asked that everyone download the new PeraltaSafety app here. The app has a wide range of features that will help keep you safe on campus. 
  
• Website Upgrades: Executive Director of Marketing, Communication & Public Relations Mark Johnson noted progress updating the college websites including the launch of a new course search tool, making it much easier for current and prospective students to find the classes they need. 

• Facilities Updates: Each campus received much-needed improvements over the summer, including new flooring installations and progress on bond-funded building projects. 

Chancellor Gilkerson encouraged everyone to stay involved and view her full Chancellor’s Address from Flex Day for more context on these plans. Slides from the Roadshow are posted here.