SMC president to be named as early as December
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE — The school’s next president was put to the test this week, as the three finalists for SMC’s top administrative post answered questions before community members.
The forums were held for two hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, with each of the candidates responding to 21 questions.
The three finalists are Dr. Deborah Blue, vice president of policy and research for the Accrediting Commission for Community & Junior Colleges in Novato, Calif.; Dr. Chui Tsang, president of San Jose City College; and Dr. G. Jeremiah Ryan, president of Raritan Valley Community College in New Jersey.
Approximately 250 people attended the first forum during which Blue spoke, according to Bruce Smith, SMC’s spokesman. During the Tuesday and Wednesday events, more than 75 people attended to hear Tsang and Ryan, respectively.
Meanwhile, more than a dozen SMC faculty members protested outside the pavilion during each of the three forums, frustrated by a failure in recent negotiations to secure a new labor contract for themselves at the college.
Faculty members said they have been operating under a contract that expired in August of 2004. As a result of the gridlock, faculty members contend they haven’t had a pay raise since fiscal year 2002-03.
During the forums, attendees were given an assessment form in which they were asked whether or not the finalist should be invited to accept the position based on their perceived strengths and weaknesses.
The SMC board of trustees said they will review the assessments and consider the public’s comments in their final decision to determine the school’s next president.
Smith said the board of trustees will make a decision as early as Dec. 5.
THE FINALISTS’ POSTURE TOWARD CITY HALL One of the questions posed to the finalists was in regards to what steps they would take to strengthen the relationship with Santa Monica City Hall.
Blue said she has been told by college officials there is significant information available regarding the communications SMC has had with City Hall. Blue said she would first absorb that information and then meet with city officials to try and improve the strained relationship, which has resulted, in large part, over development in the community.
Blue said the fact the college is set to have a new president and City Hall is set to have a new city manager may benefit both institutions.
“It would be an opportunity for a new president to come on board and have a new perspective,” Blue said. “Sometimes when you’re in a situation it becomes difficult to see the possibilities, but the fact there will be a new president and city manager in Santa Monica makes it a golden opportunity for a new starting point.”
Tsang, who spoke on Tuesday, said it’s important for the college to be seen as part of the community. He said he does not see himself as a politician, but has worked with politicians in the past to settle disputes with San Jose City College.
Specifically, Tsang said the college where he works sought to put a sign on the fifth floor of a building. However, having a sign at such a height was illegal. So, Tsang said he worked with his local City Council to change the sign ordinance. As a result, the sign, which advertises the college, can be seen from miles away.
“It’s not a neon sign, but it’s a tastefully done sign,” Tsang said, jokingly.
As the son of two politicians, Ryan said he is comfortable working with elected officials and the new president should be, too.
“You just don’t see them once a year when you have a problem,” Ryan said. “They should be in your Rolodex, and you should know them (personally).”
Ryan said he currently belongs on the board of 10 organizations outside of the college where he works. Belonging to several organizations has allowed him to advance causes for the college, he said. If chosen, he also would become similarly involved in Santa Monica.
Ryan suggested that one way SMC and City Hall might better resolve differences would be to have a summit in which all interested parties could come together and pave the way for a future that would involve both institutions.
THE FINALISTS’ POSTURE TOWARD SMC The finalists were asked questions regarding administrative styles and ways to attain educational goals.
Blue said she would focus on building good relationships with SMC’s administrators, faculty, classified employees and students in order to advance her role at the college.
“Relationship building would be my highest priority from the beginning,” Blue said. “I’d like to know as many people as possible on a personal basis.
“I’d work personally with the student body president to help develop her as a leader.”
Tsang described his administrative style as “having a nose in everything, with (my) hands in (my) pockets.”
Tsang said he would try to be as informed a president as possible. However, since the college is dispersed among many campuses, he would build a strong administrative team to run SMC’s day-to-day tasks.
“I’d talk to the people doing the work, but not do the work itself,” Tsang said. “I think that would be a good guide to this college and its many campuses.”
Ryan said that, ideally, he would like SMC’s administrative offices — which are located away from the main campus — to be returned to it.
Such a move would not be a top priority. However, he believes it would make communication easier between SMC groups.
“My style of management is by walking around,” Ryan said.
Ryan said he would try to meet every SMC employee within the first months he’s on the job. He’d also make attempts to familiarize himself with the top 100 people who may be influential to the college and befriend them.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 17, 2005. Read the original PDF.