Chancellor Glasper Selects Dr. Jan Gehler for SCC President

~ Governing Board approval is final step in search process ~

Tempe, AZ (March 20, 2008) -- Chancellor Rufus Glasper today announced that he will formally recommend Dr. Jan Gehler as President of Scottsdale Community College (SCC).

After returning from a site visit to the University of Alaska at Anchorage where Dr. Gehler serves as dean of the Community and Technical College, the Chancellor said he is convinced that she is the right person to move the college forward. "Dr. Gehler's experience in Alaska demonstrates she is a caring and involved leader," said Dr. Glasper. "Additionally, she has the ability to challenge the institution in new ways that will exceed expectations."

Members of the search committee, who visited the University in which the college is located, unanimously support the Chancellor's recommendation.

The site visit included meetings and interviews with internal and external groups with which Dr. Gehler regularly interacts. The team's observations were further strengthened by strong references from community members, faculty, and executive leadership. The former Chancellor of the University, and current President of Governors State University, Elaine Maimon, described Dr. Gehler as "a decisive leader, a great collaborator, and a person of action."

Dr. Glasper said the site visit provided further insights into how Dr. Gehler works successfully with faculty and staff to promote student success. "Dr. Gehler's passion about student success and the mission of community colleges was echoed in every conversation," said Dr. Glasper. "She has initiated a number of occupational programs, fully understanding the value and purpose of a community college education, and her work is further strengthened by her ability to clearly articulate goals and outcomes."

The Chancellor's recommendation will go to the Governing Board on March 25 2008, and Dr. Gehler is expected to join the District on July 1, 2008. As President of SCC, she also joins the Chancellor's Executive Council.

Dr. Glasper thanked members of the search committee, the college community, citizens, and everyone who had an interest in this process for their candid and meaningful feedback during this selection.  

As the new President of SCC, Dr. Gehler brings with her a deep background in community college and technical education. She also has an extensive history of community involvement. Dr. Gehler will succeed Dr. Art DeCabooter, who will retire at the end of June 2008, after leading the college for 30 years.

Photo available at: http://www.maricopa.edu/marketing/download/sccpressearch/gehler.jpg

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About Scottsdale Community College

Scottsdale Community College offers over 1,500 academic and non-credit classes each semester. Located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the campus is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful plant and wildlife. With nearly 12,000 students, Scottsdale Community College is proud to offer high-quality, affordable programs in small class settings. From Motion Picture/Television Production and Culinary Arts to Nursing and American Indian Studies, students have a wide variety of programs from which to earn credits for university transfer, launch their careers, train for new ones, or pursue a special interest. The SCC Business Institute offers customized programs to meet the needs of local business. Scottsdale Community College is one of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges.

To learn about the many academic programs at Scottsdale Community College, call us at (480) 423-6000 or visit our website at www.scottsdalecc.edu.

About the Maricopa County Community College District:

The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation.  It includes 10 colleges -- Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry; technical and customized training institutes.

Media contact:

Chris Chesrown

(480) 731.8789
chris.chesrown@domail.maricopa.edu