COM Vice President of Instruction Named Newest President at Bakersfield College

College of the Mainland (COM) is pleased to announce that COM Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jerry Fliger has been named president at Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, California. The announcement underscores Fliger’s extensive career in higher education including various roles as a faculty, department chair, associate dean, dean and vice president for instruction.

“As a first-generation college student myself, I remain passionate about the powerful role that education plays in transforming lives,” said Fliger. “I look forward to bringing that spirit of transformation to Bakersfield College by working with the Bakersfield community to enhance the student learning experience.”

Since joining COM in 2019, Fliger has worked to transform the student learning experience through a variety of innovative instructional changes. His major accomplishments include leading the College to an institutional level change to offer its first bachelor’s degree. Additionally, he has served at the forefront of strengthening stronger partnerships between industry and higher education. This work led to the creation of more than a dozen new programs at COM since 2019 resulting in countless opportunities for students to achieve gainful, lasting employment.

Fliger will assume the role at Bakersfield College on March 11, 2024.