Early Life and Career:
Edwin Hoey was born in 1916 in Kansas City, Missouri. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Kansas State Teachers College, a master's degree from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate from Stanford University. Before joining Long Beach City College, he taught at various high schools and colleges and had already gained several years of administrative experience.
Leadership at Long Beach City College:
In 1953, Dr. Hoey was appointed as the superintendent/president of Long Beach City College. During his three-decade tenure, he presided over a period of significant expansion for LBCC. The student population grew from approximately 1,500 to over 25,000, making LBCC one of the largest community colleges in the United States.
Educational Advocacy:
Hoey was a passionate advocate for community colleges and believed in the transformative power of education. Under his leadership, LBCC implemented innovative programs, including career education and community services. He also emphasized the importance of faculty professional development and student support services, establishing the college's Academic Senate, Faculty Development Center, and Counseling and Career Center.
Community Involvement:
Beyond his role at LBCC, Hoey was actively involved in the Long Beach community. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, the Long Beach Community Foundation, and the Long Beach City Charter Commission. He was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to education and civic life, including the Golden Bell Award from the California Community College Trustees Association.
Legacy:
Edwin Hoey's impact on Long Beach City College and the Long Beach community is enduring. During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of new campus facilities and the establishment of new academic programs that continue to serve students and the community to this day. He is remembered as an exceptional leader who dedicated his life to improving access to quality education and enriching the lives of countless students and residents of Long Beach.
After his retirement from LBCC in 1983, Dr. Hoey remained active in the field of community college education through consulting and speaking engagements. He passed away in 2000, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as an innovative and visionary educator who made a lasting impact on the Long Beach community.