When Jill Wakefield was diagnosed with breast cancer last year she found herself reevaluating her life.

As she battled the life-threatening illness she contemplated what mattered most to her. What she discovered was a renewed determination to invest time in a job she's passionate about.

"My job is really great because everyday I know I make a difference in the life of a student," said Wakefield, president of South Seattle Community College since 2003. "To know that my efforts are helping to create a great place for students to meet their career goals is really satisfying."

Now, with a clean bill of health, Wakefield will utilize that drive as the new chancellor of Seattle Community Colleges.

While she says community colleges are often overlooked in the higher education system, she is eager to serve the 54,000 students that attend Seattle's three schools.

"We are truly the key to a strong economy with a well trained work force." Wakefield said.

The new chancellor herself is proof of the success that can result from a community college education. Having earned an associate degree from Centralia Community College, she went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Central Washington University, a master's degree in public administration at the University of Washington and her doctorate in educational leadership at Seattle University.

A career in education fell into Wakefield's lap after she graduated from Central. Looking for her first job out of college, and living in Olympia, Wakefield said she had two job offers: one at the Olympia Brewery and one at the Olympia Vocational Technical Institute. At the gentle urging of her family she took the job at Olympia's community college.

In the mid 1970's Wakefield began working at South Seattle Community College as an assistant in the veteran's office. Over the next 30 years she worked her way up to become president of the college in 2003.

"She's really talented at connecting with all groups at the college because she's walked in all their shoes," said Kathy Vedvick, director of program services at South Seattle Community College.

Wakefield has been instrumental in the development of several new programs at South Seattle including health care training, wine studies, welding and a basic studies division. Wakefield also helped to create a bachelor of fine arts in hospitality so that culinary and wine making students might advance to earn a four-year degree.

"We've really never lost our foundation, which is a commitment to students, an entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving programs to better meet the needs of our students," Wakefield said.

As president Wakefield was particularly involved in the development of South Seattle's Georgetown Campus, which has received considerable acclaim for its sustainable construction program.

According to Vedvick, while Wakefield emphasizes the importance of taking one's work seriously, she also believes that no one should take themselves too seriously.

"We've always had a culture of humor at Sealth, and she's always been an integral part of that," Vedvick said.

As she prepares to step into her new position, Wakefield is looking forward to building bridges in the community to better connect Seattle's community colleges to elementary and high school educators, various universities and different government services.

Wakefield does anticipate that, in response to the current economy, Seattle community colleges will experience record high numbers as well as state budget cuts at a time when the need for their programs is the greatest.

While she anticipates that the position will be challenging, Wakefield said she is familiar with the district and very capable of taking on the new responsibilities.

"I plan to hit the ground listening," Wakefield said. "I think faculty, staff. Community members and students all have great ideas and I want to hear from them before I start making any changes."

Rose Egge can be reached at 932-0300 or rosee@robinsonnews.com.