Tagged: Bakersfield College

New Positions for Six Black Administrators in Higher Education

Here is this week’s roundup of African Americans who have been appointed to new administrative positions at colleges and universities throughout the United States. If you have news for our appointments section, please email the information to contact@jbhe.com.

Joyce Ester Appointed the Seventh President of Governors State University in Illinois

"I am ecstatic to contribute to GovState's vision and mission in partnership with a strong community of students, staff, faculty, and supportive community members," said Dr. Ester. "Together, we will continue to foster an environment of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity."

Steven Walker Will Be the New Leader of Bakersfield College in California

Watkin was hired by Bakersfield College nine years ago to build an outreach program in partnership with local area high schools. Most recently, he has served as associate vice chancellor of enrollment management at the Kern Community College District. In addition, Watkin has been pastor of the Church of God in Christ in Arvin, California, for the past 11 years.

Steven Watkin Will Be the New Leader of Bakersfield College in California

Watkin was hired by Bakersfield College nine years ago to build an outreach program in partnership with local area high schools. Most recently, he has served as associate vice chancellor of enrollment management at the Kern Community College District. In addition, Watkin has been pastor of the Church of God in Christ in Arvin, California, for the past 11 years.

Joyce Ester Named President of Normandale Community College in Minnesota

Dr. Ester was president of Kennedy-King College, one of the seven campuses of the City Colleges of Chicago. Before becoming president of Kennedy-King in 2011, she was associate vice president for student services at Bakersfield College in California.

Bakersfield College Aims to Increase Retention and Graduation Rates for Black Men

In the 2010-11 academic year the 638 Black students on campus had a mean grade point average of 1.63. Only 17 of the 638 Black students on campus were awarded an associate's degree.

Joyce Ester Named President of Kennedy-King College in Chicago

She has been serving as associate vice president for student services at Bakersfield College in California.

Get the FREE JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Featured Jobs

Breaking News

In Memoriam: Norman C. Francis, 1931-2026

Breaking News
Norman C. Francis served as president of historically Black Xavier University of Louisiana for nearly five decades. When he retired in 2015, he was the longest-tenured university president in the United States.

Eric Wilcots to Lead the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Breaking News
A faculty member since 1995, Dr. Wilcots currently serves as dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Letters & Science. He is slated to become the institution's interim president on May 17.

JBHE Jobs

About Us

JBHE is dedicated to the conscientious investigation of the status and prospects for African Americans in higher education.

Phone: (570) 392-6797

Get the FREE JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

BRUCON Publishing Company © 2026