Dr. Bill F. Stewart returns to his role as district chancellor after nearly 15 years away from the post.

Dr. Bill F. Stewart has returned to take the lead of the State Center Community College District, after originally leading the district from 1985-1999.

Dr. Stewart has split his time after leaving full time work with the district between his wife, his work and his charity.

“We do do a lot of charitable work, and things of that nature, and things that need to be done,” said Stewart. “And maybe not as much as we should, but we make an effort, we care.”

But during his time as Chancellor, Stewart was able to lead the district to heights that it had previously not seen.

During his time as Chancellor, According to Stewart, the district was able to expand. Building the Madera campus thanks to a multimillion dollar donation.

Not only was the population being reached, from the geographical space taken up by district buildings and schools. The student population was also increased through the efforts of him and others.

“When I came here we had around 16,000 full time equivalent students, and when I left we had over 26,000, so we grew significantly.” Stewart said “We offered more classes and entered more areas of the community. I was very busy, and I took the college to community more so than it ever had been before.”

And even though Dr. Stewart has been gone for 15 years, the effects of his leadership are still being felt today.

“There were a lot of good things during that time but a lot of what you see in the district now, I initiated a good piece of it.” Stewart said.

Although Dr. Stewart first stint as chancellor was successful, the idea of his return came as a shock to him.

“Then the board gave me a call and asked ‘why don’t you come in and talk to us?’” Stewart said. “It was then decided that perhaps I had some skills that would help them during this time, which has not been an easy time for anybody.”

Even though he may not have seen the phone call coming, faculty members on campus were pleased when he was announced as the board’s choice for the position.

I was so excited to discover he was returning!” said Fresno City College Business instructor Sheila Martin.  “He knows his job, he knows his people, including faculty and students, and he wants us all to be effective and happy with our experiences, both as instructors and as students, within the district.”

Dr. Stewart knows that this time as chancellor will be different than his first, due to the different economic realities that are being faced.

“We are not in a crisis situation,” Stewart said. “But things are tight.”

Even with these difficult situations, some see a reason to view the future of the district as bright as result of this decision.

“I can say for sure that the tenor of the district will change as a result of his presence. I believe it will change for the better,” said Lacy Barnes, State Center Federation of Teachers president, in an email. “Bill Stewart seems to be a man more of action, than of words. This fits well with my way of being, so I am extremely hopeful for the district at this point in time.”

But even with the difficulties that he knows he has ahead of him in this return from retirement, Dr. Stewart still hopes to enjoy his time and meet the people that bring this campus to life.

“I love to go on campus and see people walking around,” Stewart said. “And if people want to talk to me I have an open door policy, always have. So if people want to talk to me then come on over.”