Santa Barbara City College announces selection of new Superintendent/President

Concluding a nationwide search, Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) Trustees are proud to announce the unanimous selection of Dr. Utpal K. Goswami, current president of MCC-Longview in the Metropolitan Community College district in Kansas City, Missouri, as the next Superintendent/President of SBCC. He is expected to assume his position in early January 2020.

The process for selecting the Superintendent/President included a nationwide search. A screening committee made up of campus constituency groups and community members recommended Dr. Goswami as one of two finalists for Board consideration. Public forums were held for the campus and community to learn more about the finalists, ask questions and submit comments to the Board of Trustees. The Board also held lengthy in-person interviews in closed session on October 25, 2019.

Dr. Goswami was selected from an impressive and diverse pool of candidates because of his experience, leadership, fiscal expertise, experience working in diverse communities, and his commitment to educational programs.

SBCC Board of Trustees President, Robert K. Miller, said “Dr. Goswami brings a depth of experience, and we are certain that he will move Santa Barbara City College forward. He is a proven leader with a commitment to students and their success. We are confident that he will build collaborative relationships on campus and in the community.”

Dr. Goswami’s background demonstrates his ability to lead and the strong skill set he will bring to Santa Barbara City College.  He brings more than three decades of experience in Community Colleges. 

SBCC has been on a search for a successor to Dr. Anthony E. Beebe who retired earlier in 2019. SBCC has been led by Interim Superintendent/President, Dr. Helen Benjamin since Spring 2019. Dr. Benjamin came out of retirement to serve in this temporary capacity. The Board is deeply appreciative of Dr. Benjamin’s leadership in her Interim capacity.

Dr. Goswami’s employment is subject to contract negotiations. His contract is expected to come before the Board at their next regular meeting on November 14, 2019. He is expected to officially begin in early January 2020.

Background on Dr. Utpal K. Goswami

Dr. Utpal K. Goswami brings more than three decades of higher education experience at colleges and universities in Texas, California, Arizona and Missouri. Dr. Goswami currently serves as President of Metropolitan Community College (MCC) - Longview campus. Prior to this, Dr. Goswami held various positions including as Vice President of Instruction and as interim President/Superintendent at College of the Redwoods in California.

His leadership philosophy is to create environments where others can be successful. He takes pride in the fact that by empowering people he has been able to create exceptional teams to drive positive outcomes for students. He considers being able to personalize the learning experience as the ultimate institutional challenge and opportunity.

 Dr. Goswami has been actively involved in statewide advocacy and initiatives during his tenure at MCC. Dr. Goswami has proven success in advocating for community college funding, fostering shared governance, launching and completing capital projects, revamping technology platforms and in ensuring institutional compliance with accreditation.

 Dr. Goswami holds a master’s degree in development economics from Boston University and both a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in economics from Southern Methodist University. Being a proponent of work-life balance he pursues numerous hobbies and activities in his spare time. Dr. Goswami and his wife are proud parents of two adult children and enjoys playtime with two young grandchildren.