Gavilan College President Announces Retirement

GILROY, CA — Kathleen Rose, the superintendent and president of Gavilan College in Gilroy, announced last week that she plans to retire at the end of the 2021-22 academic year.

Rose, who has led the South County community college since 2016, said in a letter to students and staff that she is “ready for a new chapter in my life.”

Under Rose, the school successfully lobbied for the passage of the Measure X Bond in 2018 — the largest in the district's history — celebrated its Centennial in 2019-2020 and adapted during the pandemic.

“Many, many highs and lows were experienced by a community of educators that remained committed to the educational journeys of our students and partnerships within our communities, no matter the social, political, and economic challenges,” Rose said.

Rose has spent nearly 40 years in higher education. She previously served as the Vice President of Instruction at Gavilan College.

The Board of Trustees will discuss recruiting a new president in the coming months, according to a news release.

"We are grateful for the years of service and many contributions Dr. Rose has made to the students of our district," said Edwin Diaz, President of the Gavilan College Board of Trustees. "Through her leadership the college maintained valuable services to students and the communities we serve. We wish her well in her retirement."