Following her announcement as a finalist in the search for a new Los Rios Chancellor, president Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson has reaffirmed her commitment to San Joaquin Delta College in an email to Collegian staff.

“I want the Delta community to know that I value this institution and the work we are doing together, and I remain committed to that work as this process moves forward,” wrote Lawrenson in an email. 

This affirmation comes as a busy year looms for SJDC with both the planning for Measure K underway and the comprehensive report for accreditation set to begin in Fall 2026. 

“I want students, faculty, and staff to know that I will continue to provide leadership and support during this period, and I remain focused on our accreditation work, Measure K planning, and the many initiatives underway to support student success.” 

In the event that Lawrenson does move forward with the Los Rios Chancellorship, there are plans in place.

“If Dr. Lawrenson is selected as Chancellor at Los Rios, our Board will spring into action immediately. Board Policy 2431 specifically mandates the Board’s primary role in selecting a successor to the Superintendent/President,” said Area 2 Trustee Dan Wright.

Board Policy 2431 states that the board must establish a search process to fill the position of president in the event of a vacancy.

Her candidacy status was announced alongside two other finalists when the question submission form for the candidate town hall went live. That town hall will be held on Dec. 8 with only Los Rios community members allowed to be in attendance. The meeting will be streamed on Youtube, according to the district. 

The Los Rios chancellor position is currently held by Brian King, who is set to retire at the end of the academic year. Applications for the position opened on Aug. 18 and were closed on Oct. 15.

King also faced a vote of no confidence in Fall 2023 from the academic senates of Sacramento City College, Cosumnes River College and American River College.

Some board members were made aware of Lawrenson’s status as a finalist on the weekend of Nov. 15.

“President Lawrenson made me aware of her candidacy this past weekend,” said Trustee Wright. “She gave no earlier indication of pursuing the position.”