Martin L. Johnson, Gavilan College vice president for
instruction and Dr. John Baker, Gavilan College vice president for
student services, have announced their retirements, following long
careers in education.
Martin L. Johnson, Gavilan College vice president for instruction and Dr. John Baker, Gavilan College vice president for student services, have announced their retirements, following long careers in education.
Both will conclude their duties before the start of fall classes in mid August. The college had already been planning to combine the two positions on an interim basis as a cost saving measure. At their May meeting, Gavilan College Trustees are expected to appoint the interim vice president.
Johnson has been at Gavilan College for 19 years.
As vice president of instruction, he worked to accomplish a comprehensive college reorganization, including the revitalization of vocational programs and the development of digital media, network administration, and engineering programs. Before becoming vice president of instruction in 1998, he was an instructor of physics, mathematics and engineering. He served as department chair for five years, technology preparation coordinator, and contract education coordinator.
In 1995 he was elected Teacher of the Year by the college faculty. Before coming to Gavilan College, Johnson was the executive director of community services at Ford Ord, following 20 years in the United States Army. ending with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
At Gavilan College Johnson has made significant contributions in strategic planning, and the creation of organizational systems, with a focus on outcomes, process and excellence.
Baker joined Gavilan College as vice president of student services in 2001. He has spent more than 30 years working at community colleges, including as vice president of student services at San Diego Mesa College. His resume also includes experience as dean of students at the College of Alameda, and director of counseling at Ohlone Community College. Baker earned his ed. at Nova University in 1980, in the field of Community College Education/Administration. He earned his M.S. in 1971, at San Francisco State University in the field of Rehabilitation Counseling.
