After an unexpected twist in the search for Fresno City College’s next president, the Board of Trustees has decided to reopen the search. The original plan was to select FCC’s new president this past June, but State Center Community College District Chancellor, Deborah Blue, did not feel she could make a recommendation to the board, according to Tony Cantu, interim president of the college.
”The district will open up the search late this fall and hope to have someone appointed during the spring of 2012,” said Randy Rowe, Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at the State Center Community College District.
In the meantime, Cantu will continue to serve in his role. Cantu has served as interim president since April 1 and is expected to remain in this position until April 1, 2012 or until the presidency is filled with a permanent appointment.
Cantu said he did not expect to be interim president for the 2011-2012 academic year but he feels that he is ready for the challenge. “I’ve been with the college for a while,” said Cantu who has worked in the State Center Community College District for over 23 years. “I know the college very well.”
Cantu said that his number one challenge is the budget crisis. “We have to look at everything we do. We have to look at our priorities,” said Cantu. ”It challenges us to do things differently.”
According to the job announcement, the next president is expected to bring long-term stability, build upon the campus’ strong legacy, achieve the next level of success, and continue the prominent leadership role in the community.
The district has also added two new members. The first is Ed Eng, who will serve as the new vice chancellor, of finance and administration for the State Center Community College District. The second is Dr. Mitjl Capet, who was appointed president of Reedley College on August 1, 2011.
Meanwhile Cantu looks forward to a challenging but optimistic term as interim president. “I am honored to be interim president. I don’t take the responsibility lightly,” said Cantu.
