District still searching for new City College President

Thomas Chesy

With a self-imposed July 1 deadline looming, the San Diego Community College District says it has yet to find a permanent president for City College to replace current interim President Denise Whisenhunt.

The process is underway and we are optimistic,” says Vice Chancellor Dr. Stephanie Bulger in an April 3 email.

Bulger was appointed by District Chancellor Dr. Constance M. Carroll to lead a search committee for a permanent president last May after former City President Dr. Anthony Beebe left for the same position at Santa Barbara Community College.

Bulger says the search committee is unable to share specifics on the progress of the search.

“Unfortunately, because this is a confidential personnel process at this stage, I cannot really offer any specifics at this time. Later, there will be open forums and more information,” Bulger told City Times.

Chancellor Carroll, quoted in a district press release last May, stressed the importance of a quick presidential transition, saying: “Given that the academic year is almost at an end, this change means that we must move quickly to organize the process for replacement in order to ensure the stability and progress of this great college.”

As of April 4, an ad for the position is still listed on chroniclevitae.com, an employment website specializing in university careers.

“City College is the District’s most urban college,” the ad reads. “We are seeking a president who will lead the college, work with the sister colleges of the District, and work with the District Office as we move forward together to ensure that City College reaches its full potential.”

The district search committee’s deadline is set one year to the day since since former President Beebe started his first term as president of Santa Barbara Community College.