Pacific Oaks College Seeks Merger

04/17/2009

Pacific Oaks College Seeks Merger

I recognize failure – which is important, some people don’t – and fix it, because it is data, it is information, knowledge of what does not work.
Toni Morrison

One of the most respected early childhood training institutions, Pacific Oaks College, is about to call an end to its renowned 62-year history. The Pasadena Star News reported that the college can survive only by pursuing a merger or takeover by another 'higher learning institution.' "We are in preliminary discussions with three institutions who are most interested," Pacific Oaks Interim President David Marker said Thursday, declining to name them. "We've been quite forthright with them about the current situation, so it will come as no surprise to any institutions we are in conversation with."

The problems at Pacific Oaks have been brewing for a long time as reported in an earlier issue of ExchangeEveryDay ("A Crisis at Pacific Oaks"; August 2, 2007). The decision ended months of speculation by faculty and students about the future of the Quaker-founded college. The world pioneer in early childhood education has been struggling with projected multi-million dollar budget deficits, and also faces possible loss of accreditation as early as April 15, 2010.

Marker said the college is still addressing concerns raised in a scathing report released December 1 by the Western Association for Schools and Colleges, California's accrediting body, which was prompted by a formal complaint lodged by the entire faculty in March, 2008. The WASC report cited 'failed leadership' by former President Carolyn Denham — who resigned late in February after 10 years as president — and the Board of Trustees for many of the college's woes. They called it "an institution embattled and in turmoil," with a "complete failure to maintain accurate financial records" among other findings.

Louise Derman-Sparks, who retired two years ago after 33 years as a professor of human development at Pacific Oaks, said she was not surprised by the decision. "It's what I expected, but it's very disappointing," Derman-Sparks said, adding that she fears the Pacific Oaks mission — social justice, respect for diversity, and the valuing of individual uniqueness — could be lost in any merger.

Two schools frequently mentioned as possible partners are Antioch University and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, both of which have a Los Angeles campus.

Pacific Oaks Influence at Exchange

Over the past 30 years Pacific Oaks faculty, and professionals nurtured by Pacific Oaks, have frequently graced the pages of Exchange magazine with their unique perspectives. No more is this in evidence than in Developing Capable, Creative Teachers CD Book, which contains over 50 articles on training staff — many of them reflecting the Pacific Oaks philosophy.

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