 1: Mark Mitsui. 2: South Seattle Community College President Gary Oertli, Bea Kiyohara, Jill Wakefield, and Peter Ku. 3: Mark Mitsui with his parents, family members, and friends at a gathering hosted by Vera and Joel Ing (not shown). (Photos by Assunta Ng/NWAW) |
When Mark Mitsui was appointed as the president of North Seattle Community College, I felt that he could very well be another Peter Ku, chancellor emerita of Seattle Community Colleges.
I know what you might be thinking. “What? Mitsui hasn’t even started yet! Isn’t it presumptuous? Are you saying that because he’s Asian?”
Nope.
“Is it because of Mitsui’s dad, Sam, who is a well-respected member of the community?”
Former state representative Kip Tokuda has said that Mitsui’s status is elevated due to his dad.
Heavens, no!
I think it has more to do with where Mitsui was and where he is going. Mitsui was vice president for student services at South Seattle Community College, which focuses on apprentice programs (in aerospace and auto), technical training, hospitality management, and applied science degrees. He will soon lead the campus across the other side of town, the North campus, which has a strong liberal arts and continuing education program for international students and those who want a career change.
If you are aware of SCC’s record, the past three chancellors, Peter Ku, Charles Mitchell, and Jill Wakefield, were all promoted from within, even though there was a national search. SCC is a complex district with lots of diverse needs. Outsiders could not possibly know everything about the district. Therefore, they would be at a disadvantage when applying for the job.
When Ku applied, he was the only candidate who had the experience of running both the North and South campuses. Mitsui will be the ideal successor for Wakefield when she retires because if he does everything right during his tenure at North, he will have a rare combination of skills and knowledge of both campuses.
What an invaluable asset! ♦
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