Earlier today (March 18th), the Laney College community received an email from President Rudy Besikof announcing his transition from Laney College, effective Wednesday, March 19.
First, I want to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Besikof for his years of dedicated service to Laney, first as vice president of instruction and later as college president. As he noted in his message, his tenure has been marked by numerous accomplishments that have strengthened Laney College’s mission. I greatly appreciate Dr. Besikof’s enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to elevating the college’s programs and services—whether through his podcast, the meaningful community partnerships he has fostered, or his leadership during the pandemic. I look forward to his continued advocacy for California’s community colleges.
Second, I want to assure the entire Peralta Community College District of our commitment to supporting Laney College during this transition. Our shared dedication to all our colleges and their students remains steadfast. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Becky Opsata has accepted my request to serve as acting president of Laney College through June 30, 2025. Dr. Opsata is a strong, collaborative leader whose experience and dedication make her exceptionally well-suited to guide Laney at this time. I have full confidence in her ability to lead with care and expertise.
Additionally, I’m pleased to share that Dr. Inger Stark will serve as acting vice president of instruction at Laney College during this same period. Dr. Stark’s extensive leadership experience within our district, her knowledge of college administration, and her unwavering commitment to student success make her an outstanding choice for this role. With these two dedicated leaders at the helm, I am confident that Laney College will continue to reimagine its structure while providing exceptional instruction and services to its students.
Laney College has always been a community defined by resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. As we navigate this transition at Laney, I have no doubt that they will continue to demonstrate the strength and unity that make their college such a special institution. Together, we will embrace this moment as an opportunity to grow, innovate, and build an even stronger future for Laney College and the entire Peralta Community College District.
For those at Laney College, I will be on campus Wednesday in the Best Center at 12:30 PM to answer any questions and connect with you. I will also attend College Council at 2:00 PM to provide further updates.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the students and the mission of the Peralta Community College District.
