Vacant district position filled by al-Amin

An open position for Contra Costa Community College District Vice Chancellor was filled in mid-January after the hire of Dr. John al-Amin as administrative services vice chancellor.

Dr. al-Amin began the position Feb. 1 and hopes to strengthen services and facilities for students through more funding.

Al-Amin, who has a background in business management, plans to help the district secure more money to build on facilities and services. Al-Amin, who grew up in Oakland, always recognized the need to help fellow community members and has had a strong will to be involved in community projects.

"I went to McClymonds and Saint Mary's high schools and was always involved in community services," al-Amin said.

He was interviewed for the job by community and district representatives and his background in business may have been one of the reasons he was hired.  

He said his will and dedication to help the community and his community services skills is what directed him toward business.

He said the will to help people has never left, so he will use his skills to help where it is needed.

Al-Amin said during his time in school, he participated in clubs and organizations and has always been actively involved with helping others.

"I have always had that community services philosophy," al-Amin said. "Even as a young student I have been involved."

Al-Amin said getting the job is fitting because he has a background in business and knows that would help if any challenges should arise.

He worked eight years as a financial analyst, 14 years as vice president of administrative services at Grossmont College and vice president of business services at Oxnard College.

Al-Amin said he has a degree in economics and a master's degree in education and a doctorate degree in business and that is what essentially qualified him for the new position.

"I am happy to be a part of the district. There are some good things going on at all the colleges and I am happy I can be a part of that," al-Amin said.

Governing Board Trustee John Márquez said he was excited to work with the new vice chancellor and is excited to see how the Governing Board will work together with him.

He said, "We all work together really well, and I am looking forward to working with our newly hired vice chancellor."

Al-Amin said another focus of his is keeping programs and services that are in danger of elimination because of the budget problems.

"I will try to maintain critical programs and services for students while they are declining under a reducing fiscal climate," al-Amin said.

Chancellor Helen Benjamin said she met al-Amin once but had not formally worked with al-Amin on any issues.