State Center Community College District Chancellor Carole Goldsmith announces her retirement on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Photo by Dylan Gonzales

After a 30-year career in education, the last four as chancellor of the State Center Community College District, Carole Goldsmith announced her retirement on Thursday during a news conference at the State Center Community College District Office in Downtown Fresno.

“I’ve decided this time is right for me to retire, and it’s been after a lot of reflection and prayer, and this decision comes with a great sense of gratitude, conviction and completion,” Goldsmith said.

Goldsmith will continue working through September 2026. 

“Under Chancellor Goldsmith’s guidance, the district has achieved remarkable progress,” said Danielle Parra, president of the State Center Community College District board. “She led the successful passage of Measure Q, ensuring nearly $700 million in new investments in our facilities.

Former Fresno Mayor and CEO of Central Valley Community Foundation Ashley Swearingen shared what she took away from her time working with Goldsmith.

“Dr. Goldsmith is one of the most talented and dedicated public leaders I’ve had the privilege of working alongside for more than 20 years,” Swearingen said in a statement. “Whether it was collaborating on workforce innovation grants when she was Vice Chancellor at West Hills Community College District, securing the West Fresno Center in Southwest Fresno through the Transformative Climate Communities program as president of Fresno City College, or leading the charge on Measure Q as chancellor of the District, Dr. Goldsmith has shown up, served and delivered big for our region – consistently and for decades.” 

Goldsmith said her time as chancellor has been God’s greatest blessing in life and she is proud of all she has accomplished. 

“We’ve leaned into future higher education with courage and creativity, advancing competency based education and credit for prior learning so students can move at their own pace,” Goldsmith said. “Because we believe in honoring lived experiences, whether returning vets, first generation students or agricultural workers whose labor has long cultivated this Valley to be something great,” Goldsmith said. 

Parra said that the Board of Trustees will plan for a transition in the coming months.

Goldsmith ended her remarks by stating the importance of promoting kindness, noting that Thursday was National Kindness Day and how she’s tried to spread that positivity throughout her career. 

“I may not know you by name, but I do love you,” she said. “I think we need to say those words more often today.” 

Earlier this year, GV Wire published a story regarding an ethics complaint filed against Goldsmith by members of the State Center faculty. The complaint alleges that Goldsmith steered $161,000 in mediation contracts to her “goddaughter.”

The State Center office told GV Wire there was no familial relationship between the awardee, Ashlee Hernandez, and Goldsmith.