SCC Presidential Search Finalists Named

Candidates will meet the community at forums on February 21

Tempe, AZ (February 12, 2008) -- Chancellor Rufus Glasper today announced four finalists in the search for a new Scottsdale Community College president, following a nationwide search that attracted 85 applicants.

The four are:    

Jan Gehler, Ed.D., Dean, Community and Technical College, University of Alaska Anchorage

Berton "Bert" L. Glandon, Ed.D., President of Arapahoe Community College (Littleton, CO)

Linda Lujan, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs, South Mountain Community College

Blaine Nisson, Ed.D., President of Umpqua Community College (Roseburg, OR).

"Our goal is to find the right leader for Scottsdale Community College who will also serve an important role on my District leadership council," said Chancellor Glasper. "The new president must be committed to the three critical objectives in my vision for the District: student success, public stewardship, and One Maricopa."

On February 21, 2008 the finalists will visit SCC to meet with students, college leadership, faculty and staff. Later in the day, Maricopa County residents will have an opportunity to meet the candidates and provide feedback to the Chancellor.

WHAT:     Presidential Candidate Community Forum

WHEN:     Thursday, February 21, 2008

                5:30pm -- 8:25pm

                5:30 - 6:10 p.m. Jan Gehler, Ed.D.
                6:15 - 6:55 p.m. Berton Glandon, Ed.D.
                7:00 - 7: 40 p.m. Linda Lujan, Ph.D. 
                7:45 - 8:25 p.m. Blaine Nisson, Ed.D.

WHERE:   Scottsdale Community College ? 9000 E. Chaparral Road @ Loop 101

                Student Center, Turquoise Room  

The candidates will also be meeting with the Chancellor and members of the Chancellor's Executive Council (CEC) during their visit. After compiling feedback from all groups, the Chancellor will determine the top candidate(s) or finalist(s) and decide if and when site visit(s) will be conducted. The Chancellor hopes to complete any visits by mid-March and recommend a president to the Governing Board by the beginning of April.

When chosen, the new president will replace Dr. Art DeCabooter, who has been the college's only president, serving since 1978. Dr. DeCabooter announced last year his plans to retire in 2008.

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:
Denise Kronsteiner
(480) 423-6567
denise.kronsteiner@sccmail.maricopa.edu