MJC on quest for new college President

     With the recent departure of former Modesto Junior College President Richard Rose, the college began an extensive search for a new college president. The Presidential Search Committee posted the job announcement in December, and has since received 39 applications from qualified candidates across the United States, 24 of whom are from California.
    “We advertised throughout the country,” said Roe Darnell, Yosemite Community College District Chancellor, and Chair of the Presidential Screening Committee. “In some cases we sent specific letters or e-mails to people who we thought, because of their history with community colleges, might be looking for presidency like at MJC.”
     According to the presidential search announcement, applicants are required to have earned at least a master’s degree, but a doctorate is preferred. Candidates must also show proof of success in a teaching, counseling or student services career, as well as “administrative experience at a community college, university or comparable institution.”
     Other desired qualities for applicants include, but are not limited to: ability to make a long-term commitment, to create collaborative leadership, and to practice budget-management skills. The committee is also looking for an individual who understands MJC’s mission to prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and train students for specific careers.
     “We’re looking for someone who will be with us for a long period of time,” Darnell said, “Someone who...is collaborative, works with people, recognizes the traditions at MJC and yet, also recognizes the challenges ahead and is willing to work within the traditions to prepare us for the challenges.”
     Of these applicants, the Presidential Screening Committee will interview twelve selected candidates between the dates of February 18 and February 20. The committee will then choose the best candidates to be interviewed by the Board of Trustees. These finalists will then make presentations and take questions in open community forums.
     The representatives on the committee were selected from various groups at MJC. Of the twelve committee members, four are faculty, one is a community representative, three are classified staff, three are administrative representatives and one is the current ASMJC president, Yashlee Nazi.
     Mike Adams, a mathematics professor on the committee, says he has had a very rewarding experience with the committee. “I have been really impressed with how well this committee is working together. It gives me a lot of confidence.”
     Interviews and forums will be completed by the end of March, and the decision for MJC’s new college president may be made as soon as July. MJC may have its new president by the fall 2010 term.

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