Huiyi Jiang408-568-4305NEWS: Open Forums for Vice Chancellor of Business502

Last week, on June 9, 10, and 14, open forums were held for the three candidates for the Foothill-De Anza District position of Vice Chancellor of Business Services. Kevin J. McElroy was the first of the candidates to present and held his forum on June 9. He has been the Vice President of Administration Services at Coastline Community College in Orange County since 1989 and also served as their acting president for several months. Jon C. Stephens was the second to present on June 10. He has been the Vice President of Business Services at San Joaquin Delta Community College District in Stockton since June 2008. Jeanine R. Hawk was the last to present on June 14. She has been the Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services at San Jose-Evergreen Community College District since June 2009 and also served as their acting chancellor for several months. The forums were attended by local community members and staff who were responsible for various educational programs at Foothill College or De Anza College. Main questions raised by the attendees involved the current budget crisis and what strategies the candidates could offer to minimize the downsizing and cutting of programs/classes.One of the possible solutions was given by McElroy who outlined what he called his “Sound Stable Dependable Resource Allocation Model”. The Sound Stable Model will identify fixed costs such as faculty and staff costs and allocate excess revenue generated by the college each year to fund long term programs.”We need a plan that is understandable, one that people can depend on…and which can adjust appropriately to the financial demands,” said McElroy, “I think it is critical that we send out a clear message that we have a plan laid out, a positive message, that we can get through this crisis and come out stronger.” Other goals candidates mentioned included making community college education more accessible through increased distance learning, funding vocational programs, such as the Career and Technical Education program, which would provide students with career options, and encouraging diversity on campus.McElroy mentioned an organization called Kaleidoscope, a leadership institute which serves to enhance and celebrate the achievements of women of color at Coastline Community College, and expressed interest in bringing similar programs to the Foothill-De Anza District. “I am interested in attracting and retaining the diversity groups we’re targeting. I want that culture in the institution that celebrates diversity,” McElroy said. The three candidates were selected by a committee formed by the Foothill-De Anza District. According to Mike Brandy, chair of the selection committee,”The district formed a selection committee comprised of about 12 staff members from across the district to screen applicants for this position. Based on that screening, the committee decided to interview about 11 candidates. As a result of those interviews, the committee recommended that three candidates be forwarded as finalists for this position.” The new Vice Chancellor of Business Services will be selected by the Foothill-De Anza Board of Trustees and will serve a 12 month term in office.