Patrick Blacklock is graduating from college.

That is, the current dean of careers and technology at Cosumnes River College has accepted the position of assistant city manager for the city of Elk Grove. Before becoming dean at CRC in 2006, Blacklock was the county administrative officer for Amador County the previous six years. During that time, he also served as the county's land use agency director, a capacity in which Blacklock held direct oversight of the planning, building and environmental health departments.

Most recently, Blacklock has assisted the college with development of a certificate and associated coursework in green building design and construction.

"I'm just excited to return to local government," Blacklock told the Ledger Dispatch Wednesday. "I missed it more than I expected."

With Cosumnes considered part of the Elk Grove community, Blacklock said the assistant city manager role offered a natural opportunity for him.

"We are fortunate to have Patrick Blacklock join our organization as we improve the city's development services function," said Elk Grove City Manager Laura S. Gill. "His significant experience in advancing high performance development services practices and implementing sustainable practices, combined with his demonstrated leadership skills, will serve the city well as we move forward."

Blacklock was unanimously chosen after an extensive selection process, according to a release from the city of Elk Grove. The city advertised nationally for the position and conducted multiple interviews before ultimately selecting Blacklock.

Accomplishments during his tenure in Amador County include the development and completion of several capital improvement projects, redevelopment of a former mill site into a commercial and industrial regional workforce center, creation of a streamlined building department plan check system, and establishment of a customer service feedback process to facilitate continuous improvement, according to the release.

Blacklock was also widely regarded as a champion for higher education in Amador County. As dean of CRC, he worked closely with the Amador Community College Foundation to expand a community college presence in Amador. Blacklock downplayed his own role, calling himself "just one of several champions here on campus."

He singled out CRC president Francisco Rodriguez for being an advocate before Blacklock's arrival roughly two years ago and noted the dean of learning, Stephen McGloughlin, continues to be a member of the foundation.

That view was echoed by other foundation members.

"Pat has been a tireless supporter for this effort and we wish him success in his new endeavor," said foundation president Ron Mittelbrunn. "The coalition has established a solid working relationship with CRC, particularly with Stephen McGloughlin, dean of learning, and Francisco Rodriguez, president of CRC. Their commitment to Amador County continues. We are working on some new ideas and, as they are developed, we will be making some announcements in the near future."

Foundation secretary Renee Chapman agreed, saying she recently spoke with Sen. Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks) about enlisting his aid in the community college effort.

"Pat Blacklock has been a tremendous asset to the community college effort," she said, "but CRC, with or without Pat, is committed to doing what they can to make sure this happens for Amador County."

Blacklock will start his new position Oct. 20.