FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
Armond Phillips named Interim President at Napa Valley College
Armond Phillips of Napa has been named interim president of Napa Valley College. A special meeting of the college Board of Trustees was held Sept. 29 to take the action following the sudden death of Dr. Chris McCarthy. Sue Nelson, vice president of Instruction, had been acting president.
JoAnn Busenbark, president of the NVC Board of Trustees, said Phillips came highly recommended. “The board’s choice of Armond Phillips, who lives in the community, is known in the community and known to the college community, adds strength as we move through this difficult time,” she said. He will start on Monday, Oct. 5.
Busenbark and board member Charles Meng served on a special subcommittee of the board to make the recommendation.
At the meeting Meng expressed confidence in Phillips to help the college during this difficult time and to help in healing.
Phillips has been a member of the Napa Valley College Foundation. He has a long history of service as an administrator in California community colleges, including service at Napa Valley College. He has experience in all areas of college administration from Instruction to Student Services.
Most recently he served at College of Marin as dean of Student Development, supervising Student Services and coordinating Student Services with the Instructional Program. Phillips was interim vice president of Instruction at Napa Valley College in 2006 and also has served Napa Valley College as a consultant. In 2002-2003 he was interim superintendent/president at Solano Community College. From 1992 to 2002 he was vice president, Academic Affairs (formerly dean, Academic Affairs) and chief instructional officer, and from 1987 to 1992 he was vice president Student Services (formerly dean of Student Services) and chief Student Services officer at Solano. Phillips has also been a labor negotiator and consultant. A former community college instructor, he also has experience in counseling, guidance and assessment.
He is certified by the University of California, Davis, in public sector labor and management relations, and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education/Counseling Psychology from San Diego State University. He has a credential in secondary education from California State University, Hayward. His B.A. is from San Jose State University.
In accepting the appointment, Phillips said “I feel honored that the Board of Trustees has chosen me to assist the outstanding college community during this transition period. Chris McCarthy was a gem of a president and he will be missed by all. He leaves a college that is focused on students and quality teaching and learning.”
Busenbark expressed the board’s gratitude to Sue Nelson for stepping in during this difficult time.
The college will conduct a national search for a new president.
Several memorial events have been held on campus in tribute to Dr. McCarthy. A community memorial will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 23 in the college gymnasium.