Way to San Jose smooth so far for departing NIC boss

Michael Burke was headed for California with a pack of business hounds on his tail when Huckleberries Online last saw him early this year. After a lengthy stint as North Idaho College president (1998 to 2007), Burke jumped at the chance to become president of San Jose City College. The hounds had been circling Burke since summer 2006 when business leaders who were concerned about the direction of NIC’s vo-tech offerings signed a letter of no-confidence in him. He also was a finalist for the presidency of a New Jersey community college. That was then. Now, Burke’s “perfect.” In fact, the headline for a story about him in the latest edition of the City College Times reads: “Michael Burke: The perfect President.” Gushes reporter Azania Baker: “Besides a charisma that makes him immediately likable by staff and students alike, his values of honesty, integrity and impartiality make him a man to admire.” (If I ever wrote something like that about someone other than a family member, Editor Steve Smith would hand me a pink slip.) Now, Burke was a decent NIC president. In January, Trustee Rolly Williams called him “outstanding” after learning of Burke’s resignation. But perfect? Student journalist Baker continues: “With snowy white hair, a great smile and a handsome face that most likely betrays his age, Burke exudes confidence and competence.” You can pour prose like that over your pancakes.