Paul A. Elsner

Paul A. Elsner
Name	Paul A. Elsner
Birth date	c. 1936
Death date	19 December 2021
Alma mater	University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of California, Los Angeles
Occupation	Educator, college administrator
Known for	Chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District

Paul A. Elsner was an influential American educator and community college administrator who served as the chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) for over two decades. His tenure was marked by significant expansion, innovation, and a strong advocacy for the role of community colleges in higher education and workforce development. Elsner was a nationally recognized leader, contributing to organizations like the American Association of Community Colleges and the League for Innovation in the Community College.

Early life and education

Paul A. Elsner was born around 1936. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a bachelor's degree. He later attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), completing a master's degree and a doctorate in education. His academic foundation at these prominent institutions shaped his future career in educational leadership and administration.

Career

Elsner's career in education began in California, where he held various teaching and administrative positions. He served as a professor and later as an administrator within the California Community Colleges system, gaining experience that would inform his future leadership. Before moving to Arizona, he also worked with the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, focusing on regional educational policy. His expertise led to his appointment as chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District in 1979, a role he would hold for 21 years.

Leadership at Maricopa Community Colleges

As chancellor, Elsner presided over a period of tremendous growth and transformation for the Maricopa County Community College District. Under his leadership, the district expanded to include ten colleges, including Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, and Mesa Community College. He championed the development of the Rio Salado College, a pioneering college specializing in distance education and adult education. Elsner also oversaw the establishment of the Maricopa Institute for Learning and forged partnerships with entities like Arizona State University and local business industries to enhance vocational education and transfer program pathways.

Educational philosophy and contributions

Elsner was a visionary proponent of the "learning college" model, emphasizing student-centered instruction and institutional flexibility. He was a frequent speaker at conferences for the American Association of Community Colleges and authored numerous articles on educational leadership. He played a key role in founding the League for Innovation in the Community College, an organization dedicated to experimentation and improvement in community college education. His work influenced national dialogues on open admissions, technology in education, and serving nontraditional student populations.

Awards and recognition

For his contributions to education, Paul A. Elsner received significant accolades. He was honored with the Leadership Award from the American Association of Community Colleges. The Association of Community College Trustees also recognized his distinguished service. Within the Maricopa County Community College District, the Paul A. Elsner Library at Rio Salado College was named in his honor, and he was inducted into the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Hall of Fame.

Personal life

Paul A. Elsner was married to Sandra Elsner. Following his retirement from the Maricopa County Community College District in 2000, he remained active as a consultant and speaker on higher education issues. He passed away on December 19, 2021, in Phoenix, Arizona. His legacy endures through the institutions he helped build and his lasting impact on the community college movement in the United States.

Category:American educators Category:Community college administrators Category:University of Wisconsin–Madison alumni Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni