Presidential Search Announcement
President of Modesto Junior College
DESIRABLE PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Chancellor of the Yosemite Community College District and the Modesto Junior College Presidential Search Committee will consider a candidate’s educational background, professional experience and accomplishments, reputation and character in its search for a new president.
To evaluate applicants they will seek answers to the following questions:
• How committed is the candidate to the mission of a comprehensive community college?
• How has the candidate demonstrated innovative educational leadership?
• How has the candidate consistently demonstrated a high degree of integrity and ethical behavior?
• What is the candidate’s record of successful administrative experiences related to planning, financial management, enrollment management and resolution of difficult personnel issues?
• How has the candidate demonstrated a commitment to civility and collegiality?
• How has the candidate demonstrated a commitment to a campus climate that values diversity in its students and staff?
• How has the candidate demonstrated support of Student Services in his/her previous positions? In what ways has the candidate promoted student success?
• How has the candidate supported the integration of preparation for transfer, career technical education, and basic skills education?
• How has the candidate promoted participatory governance through consensus building and demonstrated sensitivity toward the effects of decisions on all stakeholders?
We seek a leader who:
• Is accessible and visible to all constituents within the college and greater communities and works well with students, faculty, classified staff, and administration.
• Possesses a strong vision, a high level of energy, and unquestionable integrity and honesty.
• Is committed to building on the strong traditions of Modesto Junior College while providing leadership in addressing changing community needs.
• Communicates effectively, possesses an open communication and transparent style with strong speaking, writing, and listening skills.
• Is a consensus builder with a management style that empowers others through team building and trust.
• Is committed to student centered programs, is supportive of student services and is sensitive to the effects of decisions on students.
• Is sensitive to and appreciative of ethnic and cultural diversity and students with unique and special needs; and is committed to advancing the District’s efforts as a national leader in tolerance and diversity education.
THE COMMUNITY
Modesto is located in the heart of the Central Valley of California. The city is the center of a growing metropolitan region with a population exceeding 200,000. The area is rich in tradition and eager for progress.
The area enjoys a year-round temperate climate, and its central geographical location gives easy access to San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and the Mother Lode Country.
Stanislaus County is rich in diversity and offers many cultural and social opportunities. It is an attractive area known for parks, trees and green belts, and its residential areas offer quality affordable housing. In addition, Stanislaus County has excellent K-12 schools. Modesto Junior College works closely with nearby universities: California State University, Stanislaus; University of the Pacific; and, UC Merced. Modesto Junior College also supports partnerships with local businesses and agencies: E&J Gallo Winery, the Alliance, local hospitals and agricultural industries.
THE DISTRICT
The Yosemite Community College District is a multi-college district. Modesto Junior College, the larger college in the district, was founded in 1921. It is located in the city of Modesto. The second district college, Columbia College, was founded in 1968 and is located near Columbia State Historic Park in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains.
The district includes all of Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties and parts of four others. The service area includes 4,500 square miles and includes a population of over 560,000.
The district is governed by a seven member elected Board of Trustees and the Chancellor serves as the Chief Executive Officer. College presidents report to the Chancellor and serve as the Chief Administrative Officers and academic leaders on the campuses. Modesto Junior College and Columbia College are comprehensive community colleges with excellent reputations for serving their communities.
MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE
For over 80 years, Modesto Junior College has played a vital role in the lives of the citizens of California’s great Central Valley.
Each semester the college’s academic programs provide approximately 19,500 students with an education that prepares them with the skills necessary for transfer, entry-level employment and career advancement. The college serves a diverse population of students through a wide variety of instructional formats. The college’s priority is student success through a high-quality learning environment.
The college is committed to meeting the diverse educational and cultural needs of students and district residents. Staff members are committed to the development of values, skills and attitudes necessary for the continued development of students and community members. The college recognizes students as individuals with the right to diverse educational opportunities in an atmosphere that is intellectually, culturally and socially stimulating. The advancement of the college’s role in the economic development and quality of life in our community is one that is supported by all areas of the college.
COMPENSATION, APPLICATION AND SELECTION
The salary and comprehensive benefits package will be competitive. Employment will begin on a mutually agreeable date. In a letter of application, preferably five pages or less, candidates should succinctly state how they would address the challenges and opportunities at Modesto Junior College. Citing specific examples from their background and experiences to demonstrate knowledge and expertise, candidates should indicate how their personal characteristics, professional skills and competencies match those sought for this position.
In addition, applicants must include a current resume, and the names and business and home telephone numbers of eight references professionally related as follows: two supervisors, two subordinates (including one Classified support staff member), two colleagues and two faculty members References should be current. References will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission.
Only complete application packets will be reviewed.
If you would like to apply for this position send hard copy to
Yosemite Community College District
Attn: Human Resources, MJC Presidential Search
P.O. Box 4065
Modesto, CA 95352
(209) 575-6968
Nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However to ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted for receipt no later than January 8, 2010.
If you would like to nominate a candidate or have questions regarding this position, please email
PresidentialSearchMJC@yosemite.edu.
Please view the Presidential Search website at:
www.yosemite.edu/hr/presidentialsearchmjc.htm
All inquiries, nominations and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The President of Modesto Junior College will be a part of a creative and innovative leadership team headed by Dr. Roe Darnell, Chancellor of the Yosemite Community College District. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strong visionary leadership with a high degree of commitment and personal integrity to address the following issues in the next five to ten years:
• The achievement of educational excellence leading to overall student success.
• The expansion of programs and services designed to address student and community needs.
• The promotion and facilitation of collegiality, civility and respect among all of the college constituencies.
• The ability to increase the cohesive relationship between the college, its multi-campus facilities, the District Office, and Columbia College.
• The integration of technological advancements academically and administratively.
• The expansion of partnerships with educational, business, industry, government and other community organizations.
• The support and nurturing of a campus climate that values diversity in its students, staff and community.
• Leadership of the Modesto Junior College Foundation and the enhancement of the resources available to the college
• Completion of facility projects funded by the District’s general obligation bonds and upgrading college facilities through scheduled maintenance.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• An earned Master’s degree from an accredited university is required. An earned doctorate is desirable.
• Preferred successful teaching , counseling or student services experience and successful administrative experience in community college, university or comparable institution
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
The Yosemite Community College District is strongly committed to achieving staff diversity through Equal Employment Opportunity and encourages applications for employment from women, minorities, disabled individuals and Vietnam era veterans. The District promotes programs to ensure that our work and campus environment is characterized by inclusiveness and respect for all students, staff and the community.