SANTA CLARA, Calif.-- Mission College's longest-serving President, Daniel Peck, will step away from the College he has led for the past eight years following the Fall semester to be closer to family on the East Coast.
"I have been fortunate to have served in this role at this wonderful institution for the past eight years, and I easily have a vision for what I’d like to accomplish over another eight years. As is often the case, however, life throws a few curves your direction, and in this case, my spouse received a request to relocate to the East Coast. With all of our family located on the East Coast, this provides a special opportunity for us to reconnect with family—something we’ve missed in the age of COVID," said Peck.
"I have worked closely with him for the last ten years and over that time have come to appreciate his integrity, thoughtfulness, and talent. He has been an exemplary colleague, and I have deep respect for Daniel both personally and professionally. Daniel is so dedicated to Mission that I knew it was unlikely he would ever leave to pursue another role in academia, but in the end, the opportunity to be nearer to family was too good for him to pass up. I know that he profoundly loves Mission College and serving as president, but that his favorite title is still “dad.” He will leave an indelible mark on the beautiful history at Mission College, and while I am sad to see him go, I admire his dedication to his family," said Chancellor Brad Davis.
Peck brought stability to a campus that had seen 20 Presidents from its founding in 1976 to when he became interim president in 2013. That stability also extended to his management team and faculty and staff leadership.
"We have accomplished a great deal together—from resolving accreditation to fostering growth in our Classified and Academic senates; from revamping and transforming our physical campus to adopting an Equity Framework which guides all of our Social Justice work," said Peck.
Two community-funded bond measures came to fruition during his tenure. The College's first Main Building was replaced; by the Gillmor Center, Viso Sports and Kinesiology Complex, Viso Student Engagement Center, and central plaza. A new Technology Building, theatre and community space, and STEM Center will all open this decade.
Peck led efforts on a college-wide equity plan and equity framework, highlighted by the Equity Walk across campus.
During the recent pandemic, the campus focused on financial assistance for students, a laptop and wifi loan program, and the expansion of its partnership with Second Harvest Foodbank. He also strengthened the relationship between Santa Clara Unified and Santa Clara's business community.
A college rebrand occurred as well, paced by a new website, consistent messaging, and the launch this summer, of the College's first mobile app.
Athletics teams benefitted as well, as women's basketball and baseball each won two conference titles and reached five post-seasons.
As important as a modern and safe campus was to Peck, so were its students. With a student-first mentality, Peck ingrained in the culture of Mission College, "We Are Mission," and meant it. As a lifelong Disney fan, Walt would have been proud of Mission's students, chasing their dreams, believing in themselves, and not losing sight of who they are.
He sought collaboration across campus to make students its center point and achieved that goal in the eight and half years on campus.