Jack Scott, scholar in residence in Claremont Graduate University’s School of Educational Studies and chancellor of the California Community Colleges from 2009-2012, will deliver this year’s 29th annual Howard R. Bowen Lecture on Tuesday, October 2.

Mr. Scott’s talk will focus on how California’s higher education system has gone from being a world leader to being one of the country’s most challenged over the span of 40 years. This will not be another lamentation; Mr. Scott promises to provide thoughts on how the state can reclaim its once globally envied system.

For the past 3 years, Mr. Scott led the state’s 112 community colleges through sweeping reforms. Prior to assuming the chancellor’s position, he served in the California State Senate (2000-2008) and as president of Pasadena City College (1987-95) and Cypress College (1978-87).

Mr. Scott holds a PhD in history from Claremont Graduate University and a master’s of divinity from Yale University. The Bowen Lecture is an annual fall lectureship on higher education delivered by leading scholars and practitioners in the field.

The talk will begin at 7 p.m. in Albrecht Auditorium, 925 N. Dartmouth Ave. in Claremont. It is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.