Community college on track for new leader

Erika Gonzalez, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 29, 2007 at midnight

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Community College of Denver could have a new leader by early next year.

Colorado Community College System chief Nancy McCallin has formed a search committee to find a replacement for former president Christine Johnson, who was ousted from the college June 19 amid allegations of administrative and financial mismanagement.

The panel - made up of members of the CCD faculty and staff, students, local business representatives and leaders of other community colleges - could begin reviewing applications late next month. To lure candidates, the community college system has begun a national advertising campaign that includes publications targeting Hispanic and black professionals.

"We're looking for someone who is very visionary. Someone who is a good manager. Somebody who feels like the right fit for the community," said Rhonda Bentz, spokeswoman for the system.

The panel will interview applicants via teleconference. From that pool, a small group will be invited to the college for community forums, one-on-one meetings with faculty members, staff members and students and a reception with community members.

Based on feedback from those events, the committee will forward no fewer than three names to McCallin, who, in consultation with the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education, will make the final decision on the selection.

State Sen. Paula Sandoval, D-Denver, who had questioned the fairness of the process that led to Johnson's dismissal, said she would like to see a president who can inspire and encourage CCD's diverse student population.

"Community colleges are an entree to higher education for a lot of first-time students, particularly minority students," Sandoval said. "I want to see someone who has a sensitivity to that fact."

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