With Dr. Cynthia Azari’s departure from Fresno City College, the State Center Community College District is scrambling to find the next president for the college.

The district is looking for a president who will continue to build on the legacy of FCC, achieve the next level of success, as well as fulfill a prominent leadership role in the Fresno community.

FCC’s track record is expected to help attract high quality candidates. “Fresno City College is known as a good institution. It’s known for taking care of its faculty,” said Randy Rowe, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources. “Fresno City College and the district are well managed.

The work environment is good and it attracts people.”

FCC boasts a strong academic tradition with 26,200 students each semester. It has gained a reputation for having a strong faculty, staff and administration who are committed to the highest academic quality. Additionally, the campus has made its name with its outstanding permanent facilities for programs and staff – including some of the finest theater, music and athletic facilities in the nation, according to information on the college website.

The committee to find the new president is made up of 16 members, including Reedley College President, Barbara Hioco; Vice President of Instruction, Tony Cantu; Vice Chancellor of the North Centers, Terry Kershaw, and ASG President, Daniel Gai.

“I look forward to working with the screening committee in selecting the best candidates possible for consideration by the Chancellor and Board of Trustees,” said Terry Kershaw, Ed.D.  The presidential search committee had its initial meeting which consisted of orientations and training sessions on Feb. 1.

The committee began the process of paper screening on March 23 and is expected to interview the candidates and select the semi-finalists.

Information on the candidates is confidential at the moment, but public forums will be on May 11 to give the community an opportunity to meet and hear from the finalists and to provide comments. The finalists will have an hour to speak to the public who will then have an opportunity to fill out comment cards.

FCC’s newest president will be appointed by the Board of Trustees on June 7.  

The new president will be faced with the challenge of attracting external resources to the College through grants, supporting the continued growth of the District Foundation, and developing new fundraising opportunities, according to information posted on the college’s website.

Students and Faculty have high expectations high for the new president.

“I hope the new president has good leadership skills, is humble and is caring and giving towards others,” said Nursing major, Orobosa Ogbeide. “I hope he/she protects the students’ interest and listens to comments and opinions from students.”

Ogbeide said she also hopes the new president keeps the campus free from violence and is able to extend library hours on Fridays.

African-American Studies major Jerline Bishop said she would like the next president to encourage students to be more involved in campus activities. “We need more students interested in students’ activities,” said Bishop. “There should be more people in student government and more people in the Rampage, so we can stay updated on everything happening on campus.”

English major Rosa Sykes says that, now more than ever, it is important to have a president who truly cares about the students. “With all the greed that is going on which is hurting so many students, we need someone we can trust,” said Sykes. “We need someone who is willing to listen to our side of the story, support us in our cause to stop rising tuition costs and ultimately help us become successful.”

African American Studies instructor, Dolores Standifer, is hoping for a president who will find innovative ways to help students deal with the financial situation.

“The new president needs to accommodate students and create avenues so all students are able to get an education,” said Standifer.

Another concern of Standifer is the parking lot. “Improve the parking lot please,” she said.

For Spanish Instructor Yolanda Garza, it has been devastating to see so many students not get the education they deserve due to the financial crisis. She hopes the next president has what it takes to make the necessary changes. “It’s the community colleges that are affected the most because that’s where the lower social class is,” said Garza. “I hope the next president can do something so students can get the education that is due.”