Dr. Chris McCarthy, 56, the president of Napa Valley College has died at his Napa home. The college community received word of the death this morning. After family members were notified, the college managers were informed so they could inform their staff members in person. JoAnn Busenbark made the announcement at a meeting held in the campus Little Theater and board member Charles Meng also spoke as did other members of the President’s cabinet. Sue Nelson, vice president of Instruction, will serve as acting president.
The following email has been sent to the campus community.
Grief counselors will be available to college staff and the campus community.
To the Campus Community:
As president of the Board of Trustees, it is with a heavy heart that I convey to you that our campus community has suffered a profound loss. We learned this morning that Dr. Chris McCarthy passed away this weekend. We do not have the details of his death, but it appears to be natural causes.
This is the saddest day in the history of Napa Valley College. Our flags have been lowered to half staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Carol, his parents John and Andrea McCarthy, and his brother Eric.
We are entering unchartered territory, and we will all need to look to each other during this tragic and devastating loss. As more information becomes available, I will let you know immediately. Sue Nelson will serve as acting president until further notice.
JoAnn Busenbark
President, Napa Valley College Board of Trustees