Correction 7/6/2023: This piece has been updated to reflect that Richardson joined PCCD as faculty in 2001.

Denise Richardson, the current Vice President of Instruction at Merritt College, was appointed as the Interim President of Berkeley City College (BCC) during the last Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Board of Trustees meeting on May 23. The appointment follows the announcement of outgoing BCC President Angelica Garcia’s departure earlier this year.

In a PeraltaGEMS article, Richardson expressed her appreciation for the chance to serve in the role.

“My gratitude to Chancellor Jackson and to the Board of Trustees for giving me this opportunity to lead the incredible team of faculty, classified professionals, and administrators at Berkeley City College.”

She also added that she is excited to begin working with her colleagues to implement the BCC Educational Master Plan and to “provide a student experience that is rooted in equity, success, and completion.”

Richardson has been a member of PCCD since 2001, when she joined Laney College as faculty. She has been an administrator since 2013, when she became Dean of Math and Sciences at Laney College. She has also taught Political Science and has  served as the Social Sciences Department Chair, Tenure Review Facilitator, and Faculty Senate President.

Her background includes a B.A. Degree in Communications, a M.A. Degree in Political Science, and a M.A. and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

Interim Chancellor Jannett Jackson shared a comment on the appointment for the PeraltaGEMS article.

“Of all the applicants, Dr. Richardson clearly had the most depth and breadth of experience within the district as a tenured faculty member and Department Chair, Dean, and as a Vice President,” Jackson said.

Richardson is expected to take over as Interim BCC President on July 1, 2023 and serve until June 30, 2024.