The Napa Valley College board of trustees approved intent to enter into a contract for Community College Search Services (CCSS) to conduct a national search for a new college president.
The action was taken Oct. 26 at a special board meeting.
NVC president Dr. Chris McCarthy died in September. Armond Phillips is Napa Valley College’s interim president.
At the direction of the board, JoAnn Busenbark, president, and Charles Meng, vice president, had formed a subcommittee to interview potential search firms and make a recommendation. Dr. Kevin M. Ramirez represented Community College Search Services at the meeting, making a presentation and answering questions. He has a background in community college administration having served as president of Sierra College. The firm was recently involved in the search for a new chancellor for the California Community College system and has done searches for numerous other college districts. He noted that the recruitment would be extensive and that his firm also is diligent in reference work. Diversity in candidates will be valued. The goal, he said, which was also expressed by board members, was that the new president would be a good fit for the college. Input will be sought from all campus constituent groups, including students, as well as from the community. A search advisory committee will be established on campus to facilitate the process and make it inclusive. Those serving on the committee will be required to receive training by the college Human Resources office pursuant to Title 5 requirements related to EEO hiring.
Napa Valley College’s outstanding reputation will be a draw in attracting excellent candidates, Ramirez noted, as will the board’s good working relationship with the college president.
Ramirez will be on campus Wednesday to start meeting with members of the college community. The criteria for the search and desired qualifications will be developed and a timeline established. Preliminary discussion at the meeting focused on doing groundwork and developing search materials prior to the holidays and starting to do advertising in January. A goal may be to complete the search process by the end of the spring semester. There was also discussion at the meeting about having a “green” search and utilizing technology in the process.