Delta College is seeking a new president for the second time in a three-year period following the Sept. 28 leave of absence and June resignation of Dr. Omid Pourzanjani.
Pourzanjani, who was hired in Summer 2019, ends his time as President/Superintendent of campus on June 22. Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson, who was hired by the college in Aug. 2020 as Vice President of Instruction, has acted as Acting President since the board meeting.
The hunt for the next top leader of Delta College – which commanded a salary of more than $235,000 for Pourzanjani – is now in the midst.
While the people applying for the position are still unknown, Delta released the needed requirements, desired characteristics, and the timeline for the hiring process of the new acting President.
“The San Joaquin Delta Community College District seeks an innovative and experienced Superintendent/President who will provide leadership and demonstrate the District’s commitment to providing high-quality services to its students, management, faculty, and staff,” according to a special page on the college website dedicated to the search
The website links to an online application form and documents about the district. The position was also posted to the Chronicle of Higher Education website on Jan. 12.
Those interested in the position must apply before February 28,
2022, by 5 p.m. (PST) otherwise their application will not be considered.
Initial interviews are to be held during the week of March 21, final interviews will be held the week of April 18, and the new superintendent will start at Delta on July 1.
Applicants must have a master’s degree, five years of “senior-level administrative experience in a higher education environment,” and they must demonstrate sensitivity working with people of all different backgrounds.
Applicants must provide the following materials:
•Letter of intent
•Resume explaining qualifications and experience
•Unofficial copies of transcripts
•At least eight professional references including two supervisors, two faculty members, two community members, one subordinate, and one support staff
Applicants must also fill out a questionnaire that can be found on Delta’s website with the rest of the information for the application process.
The search is being led by PPL, Inc. a consulting firm focused on California community colleges, according to the company website. PPL also led the search that resulted in the hiring of Pourzanjani in 2019.