Presidential search to begin

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2006.

The Board of Trustees plans to have the new president of LBCC seated and working by Jan. 1 when President Jan Kehoe's retirement becomes reality.
"There is no successor named at this point," public affairs and marketing director Chi-Chung Keung said Wednesday, April 26. "The Board of Trustees will be initiating a process to find her successor."
Board President Tom Clark said, "The process of finding a new president takes awhile, roughly 7-8 months and we haven't started yet. First the selection of a search firm takes place and the firm would then advertise to develop a listing of potential candidates. It's hard to say how much it will cost, it depends on the time it takes, but I can tell you the price is not astronomical."
Clark said once the list is compiled, a preliminary selection committee composed of a broad spectrum of people from the college begins to conduct interviews, usually two, until the board gives a final interview. "The board will discuss the qualifications a candidate should have," Clark said.
Kehoe was hired from outside LBCC in 1997 and her predecessor, Barbara Adams, also was from another college. The last president chosen from LBCC was Beverly O'Neill in 1988.
Current administrative Vice President Eloy Oakley said, "As an executive vice president, I anticipate that I will meet the minimum qualifications and as for my interest in the position, I feel that leading this college, working with our exceptional students and serving the very best faculty and staff in the state would be an honor and a delight. At this time I am considering the possibility of applying, but I will not decide until the board gives an indication of what kind of president they will be looking for."
John Fylpaa, dean of physical education and athletics, said in an Apr. 28 email that Kehoe is still the president and an effective leader for many months to come.
"It is too early to be speculating about her replacement," Fylpaa wrote. "The replacement of Kehoe will be an open process and any individual who meets the minimum qualifications, yet to be published, will be eligible to apply."
Nursing student Diana Baker said, "I don't think it's too early to wonder about the process and who may become the new president. You can't just spring it on people at the last minute."
Gary Scott, school of creative arts and applied sciences dean, said the task at hand will be challenging. Scott applied to be vice president of Academic Affairs the last time it was vacant.
"They will probably be looking for a sitting president elsewhere to take over," Scott said. "I love LBCC, the leadership, the community, but I don't think I would be considered for the job. Personally though, I would be interested."
School of Health and Science Dean Lauren Sharp said, "I am far too new in the California Community College system to be interested in a presidency. I am interested that an experienced leader with strong administrative, financial, academic and interpersonal skills can be found for the college, particularly at this juncture."