Tags: 2017, featured, press release
Gilbert H. Stork, Ed.D., superintendent/president of Cuesta College since 2010, has announced his plans to retire as of June 30, 2018. Employed at Cuesta College for more than 50 years, Dr. Stork is the college’s longest serving employee.
“Serving the California community college system for more than 50 years is commendable; serving those years at a single institution is simply remarkable,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley.
“To dedicate half a century of one’s life to a single college exemplifies true loyalty and passion. The leadership of Dr. Gil Stork has surely touched countless lives and inspired many in San Luis Obispo County and around the state. The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office wishes to congratulate Dr. Stork on his retirement as Superintendent/President and applaud his devotion to the system and Cuesta College.”
“Cuesta College Superintendent/President Dr. Gil Stork has been the extraordinary leader we needed during very difficult years for both this college district and community colleges throughout California,” said Cuesta College Board of Trustees President Dr. Barbara George. “He guided us through times of drastic State budget cuts and accreditation sanction, and he righted our ship. Moving forward from difficult times, he inspired innovation and change, and now we are considered a model community college throughout the State.”
“In my 50 years at Cuesta College, I have had the privilege to work with a caring and dedicated faculty, staff, and administration and have experienced a great sense of achievement as I have observed them take ownership of what we do and how we do it,” said Dr. Stork. “Equally important has been the quality and caring exhibited by the Cuesta College Board of Trustees. To be able to work with an elected Board that provides such support for and confidence in me is a gift for any president.”
Under Dr. Stork’s eight-year tenure as president of Cuesta College, the institution made positive gains in many areas.
In 2014, San Luis Obispo County voters passed Measure L, a $275 million general obligation bond. For the first time in more than 40 years, college infrastructure facilities are being expanded and improved in the form of repairs, construction of new facilities, technology upgrades, and more. In addition to infrastructure improvements to the aquatic center, new HVAC units and roofs, and various complex renovations, projects currently under construction include:
Also in 2014, the college launched the Cuesta College Promise Scholarship, which provides a fee-free full year at Cuesta College for all recent San Luis Obispo County high school graduates. Since the scholarship launched in 2014, the participation rate of local high school students enrolling at Cuesta College has doubled to more than 40 percent, allowing local students access to a more affordable college education. Cuesta College’s 2017 commencement ceremony saw more than 100 Promise Scholarship recipients earn degrees and certificates, the largest group of graduating Promise Scholarship recipients yet. As of today, more than 2,100 local students have received the Promise Scholarship, the result of an $8 million private donation to the college endowed by the Cuesta College Foundation.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve in various roles at Cuesta College,” said Dr. Stork. “The challenges of an open-door institution where we encourage residents of San Luis Obispo County to ‘come as you are’ results in phenomenal success stories written by students who just needed a chance.”
Cuesta College has earned the following distinguished designations since Dr. Stork became president/superintendent:
Under Dr. Stork’s leadership, notable accomplishments include:
Dr. Stork’s career at Cuesta College began two years after the college opened its doors in 1967; he was hired as a physical education instructor and assistant football coach. From 1970-1977, Dr. Stork served as a mathematics instructor, during which time he also served as the division chair of the physical sciences and mathematics division. In 1977, Dr. Stork was promoted to associate dean of instruction and then to dean of instruction in 1979. In 1990, Dr. Stork was hired as the assistant superintendent/vice president of student services, and retired from that position in 2004. Immediately thereafter, Dr. Stork assumed the role of interim vice president/assistant superintendent of student services, then interim dean of humanities, followed by interim dean of workforce and economic development. In 2010, Dr. Stork was hired as Cuesta College’s interim superintendent/president and became permanent in 2012.
Dr. Stork earned a Bachelor’s in Science Degree in Mathematics in 1963 and a Master’s in Science Degree in Mathematics in 1965; both from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration in 1981 from Brigham Young University.
Community involvement activities include:
Recognitions include:
A resident of San Luis Obispo for nearly 70 years, Dr. Stork has been married to his wife, Jan, for 53 years. They have five adult children and ten grandchildren. “My family has never let me forget that I am a husband, father, and grandfather,” said Dr. Stork. “They have been the backbone that has helped shape the person I have become.”
“Today, the college is prepared for a change in leadership, a change that can provide new energy, new ideas, and new vision,” said Dr. Stork. “It has been an honor to have served as president of Cuesta College these past eight years and to be part of Cuesta College’s rich history.”
Cuesta College will launch a nationwide search to fill the position of superintendent/president. For more information, contact the Cuesta College Human Relations Department at (805) 546-3129.
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