Five Candidates For Columbia College President
Columbia, CA – You can hear from the candidates who want to become the next President of Columbia College. The five were selected from 32 applicants by the Columbia College Presidential Search Committee. If you want to hear what the candidates have to say, and throw in a few or your own questions, there will be a community forum at the college next Monday.
Here is a list of the candidates, their credentials, and the forum times as released by the college:
Dr. Leslie Buckalew
(Forum date/time: December 2nd, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.)
Education:
• Ed.D in Higher Education Administration, University of Southern California
• M.P.H. in Public Health Education, California State University, Northridge
• B.S. in Physiological Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara
Professional Experience:
• Interim President, Columbia College – Sonora, CA (2013-present)
• Vice President of Student Learning, Columbia College – Sonora, CA (2012-2013)
• Director and Instructor of Record for International Business Plan Graduate Career and Academic Advisor, Monterey Institute of International Studies – Monterey, CA (2009-2011)
• Dean of Instruction for Vocational Education, Hartnell College – Salinas, CA (1990-1997)
Dr. Anthony Miksa
(Forum date/time: December 2nd, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Education:
• Ed.D. in Community College Leadership, National Louis University – Chicago, IL
• M.A. in Mathematics, University of Northern Iowa – Cedar Falls, IA
• B.A. in Mathematics, Mount Mercy College – Cedar Rapids, IA
• A.A. in Mathematics, Kishwaukee Community College – Malta, IL
Professional Experience:
• Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, McHenry County College – Crystal Lake, IL (2009-present)
• Dean of Mathematics, Science, Engineering and Health Professions, Elgin Community College – Elgin, IL
(2006-2009)
• Dean of Mathematics, Science, Engineering and Health, Kishwaukee College – Malta, IL (2001-2006)
• Tenured Mathematics Instructor, Kishwaukee College – Malta, IL (1997-2001)
Dr. Michael White
(Forum date/time: December 2nd, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
Education:
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, California State University, Fresno
• M.S. in Physical Education, University of New Mexico
• B.A. in Political Science, University of California, Davis
Professional Experience:
• Vice President, Student Services, Reedley College – Reedley, CA (2013 – present)
• Interim President, Reedley College – Reedley, CA (2012-2013)
• Vice President of Student Services, Reedley College – Reedley, CA (2009-2012)
• Instructor, Coach, Department Chair – Reedley College – Reedley, CA (1990-2009)
Dr. Betty Inclan
(Forum date/time: December 2nd, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.)
Education:
• Ph.D. in Educational Administration, University of Texas, Austin
• M.A. in English, Kent State University
• B.A. in English, University of Miami
• A.A. in English, Miami Dade College
Professional Experience:
• Consultant, City College of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA (July 2012-present)
• President, Berkeley City College – Berkeley, CA (2008-2012)
• Associate Superintendent/Vice President of Academic Affairs – Allan Hancock College – Santa Maria, CA
(1993-2007)
• Division Dean of Literature and Language Arts, Modesto Junior College – Modesto, CA (1991-1993)
Dr. Angela Fairchilds
(Forum date/time: December 2nd, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
Education:
• Ph.D. in Higher Education, University of Arizona
• M.B.A. in Information Systems, Golden Gate University
• B.S. in Management, Golden Gate University
Professional Experience:
• President, Woodland Community College – Woodland, CA (2006-present)
• Executive Dean, Woodland Community College – Woodland, CA (2004-2006)
• Dean of Instruction, Yavapai College – Prescott, AZ and Campus Dean, Verde Valley Campus – Clarkdale,AZ (2000-2004)
The search committee was co-chaired by Dr. Melissa Raby, Dean of Student Services, Columbia College and John Leamy, Math Professor, Columbia College. Mr. Stan Arterberry with Ralph, Andersen and Associates conducted the search. The initial interviews were done November 23rd.
The candidate forum will be held Monday, December 2 between 8 am to 6 pm at the college’s Dogwood Theatre at 11600 Columbia College Drive in Sonora. College officials say each finalist will discuss their preparation for the position, education and leadership philosophy. After each candidate speaks the audience will be allowed to ask questions.
The Yosemite Community College District Board will interview the finalists the next day. A decision is expect before the end of the year.
