California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Oakley visited Delta College last week, sharing his vision for making community colleges more effective at serving students from all backgrounds.

Delta is one of only six colleges that Oakley is visiting as part of a "listening tour."

Oakley met with administrators, faculty, staff and students. He ate at the Student Chef restaurant and took a student-led tour of campus. His visit culminated with a town hall meeting at the Tillie Lewis Theatre.

In his remarks at the town hall, Oakley credited Delta for its service to minority populations. And he discussed the need to improve the success rates for students of color across the state, who are generally less likely to complete their community college education.

Oakley drew upon his own experience as a student of color who attended Golden West College and was able to beat the odds by successfully finishing. He now oversees California's system of 115 community colleges serving 2.1 million students.

“I was lucky to come across a few people who helped point me in the right direction,” he said. “I want us to build a system that eliminates the need for luck for students of color and lower-income students.”

Chancellor Oakley listened to questions and concerns from students.

He emphasized the significance of the work done at Delta, as a community college serving a diverse region.

“I know how important it is for the greater Stockton community,” Oakley said. “I don’t have to guess how the community feels about you, and how important you are.”

For more details on the chancellor's goals, read his Vision for Success plan. More photos from his visit to Delta:

Touring Delta and meeting some students with Vice Chancellor Laura Metune (right).

Stopping by a biology lab.

Caterpillar Professor Brad Hannan explaining the program to the chancellor.

Addressing managers in the board room.

Classified staff asking questions during a session with the chancellor.

Listening to culinary arts students discuss their career plans.

Sharing a laugh with Superintendent/President Kathy Hart while having lunch at the Student Chef.

Learning about Delta's Caterpillar heavy equipment program with Board of Governors President Tom Epstein (left).