Dr. Utpal K. Goswami | Credit: Courtesy SBCC

Dr. Utpal K. Goswami, who took over as superintendent of Santa Barbara City College in January 2020, is resigning, sources tell the Independent. The move is reportedly effective immediately. No reason has been publicly provided, though City College staff received an email early Monday announcing Goswami would be stepping down. 

Goswami came to Santa Barbara from Kansas City, Missouri, where he served as president of the MCC-Longview campus in the Metropolitan Community College district. He took over as SBCC struggled with a string of racial and gender controversies, dropping enrollment, and a $3.2 million budget deficit. 

Goswami was hired after a nearly year-long search following the early retirement of Dr. Anthony Beebe in February 2019. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

UPDATE: SBCC issued a statement Monday evening confirming Goswami has resigned. “Under the terms of the agreement that was reached, he will continue as a consultant for the next month when requested to assist in the transition and will be paid a portion of the remaining time on his initial employment contract,” the school said. No reason for his sudden departure was provided.

Dr. Peter Haslund, President of the Board of Trustees, stated, “The Board of Trustees extends thanks to Dr. Goswami for his service to SBCC and the substantial contributions he has made to the success of the College. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Dr. Kathleen Scott, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, will act as Superintendent until the Board of Trustees appoints an interim, the school said.

This continues to be a developing story. Check back for updates.

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