The search for the next full-time president at Modesto Junior College has produced a list of four finalists, after the conclusion of the first level or semi-final interviews.
Dr. Henry Yong, Chancellor of the Yosemite Community College District, announced the finalists this week.
They are: Dr. John al-Amin, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, City College of San Francisco – San Francisco; Dr. Lilia Chavez, Vice President of Student Services, Merritt College – Oakland; Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, City College of San Francisco – San Francisco; and Dr. Brian Sanders, Interim Vice President of Instruction, Modesto Junior College – Modesto.
The finalists will be invited to Modesto the week of Nov. 27 for interviews with the finalist search committee, and to participate in public forums. The forums will be held in-person in the Yosemite Community College District Board Room, at 2201 Blue Gum Ave., in Modesto. Members of the community are invited to attend the finalist forums, and may park in any of the student parking lots for free. A live video stream option will also be available.
Yong will chair the final level committee. Other members include Jeffrey Lewis, President and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment in Turlock, and Trevor Stewart, Vice Chancellor for District Administrative Services for the YCCD, both of whom served as co-chairs of the 17-member first level/semi-finalist search committee.
The final panel will also include four other members of the community; the Interim President of Stanislaus State and Chancellor of UC Merced, or their designees; Rita Menezes, the Principal of Ceres High School, a feeder high school to MJC; and Bill Mattos, the President of the California Poultry Federation and long-time West Side resident.
By order of appearance, the finalists and the time for their individual forums in the YCCD Board Room on Monday, Nov. 27 are: Dr. Lilia Chavez 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.; Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins, 10:25 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.; Dr. John al-Amin, 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.; Dr. Brian Sanders, 3:25 p.m. to 4:25 p.m.
The link to watch the forums is: https://www.youtube.com/@yosemitecommunitycollegedi8320
Dr. Lilia Chavez currently serves as the Vice President of Student Services at Merritt College in Oakland. She is committed to collaborating with underrepresented, underprepared and underserved communities. Dr. Chavez holds a doctoral degree in International & Multicultural Education, a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor’s in liberal arts.
Dr. Lisa Cooper Wilkins currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at City College of San Francisco. She believes it is her responsibility to advance authentic conversations about race to make systemic changes that will close the opportunity gaps impacting our communities most vulnerable members, and her career has emphasized access, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Dr. Cooper Wilkins holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from George Washington University; a master’s degree in Psychological Services from Marymount University; a master’s degree in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University, and a bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Goucher College.
Dr. John al-Amin currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration for the City College of San Francisco. In that role, he provides management and direction over district business and accounting operations, risk management, facilities construction and planning, buildings and grounds services, police and safety, and informational technology services. He has earned degrees in Economics (BA), Educational Administration (MA), Public Policy (EMPA), and Management (Ph.D.).
Dr. Brian Sanders currently serves as the Interim Vice President for Instruction for Modesto Junior College and has served in teaching and administrative roles in the district for nearly 30 years. In his current role, Sanders has celebrated the diversity of the MJC community, championed expansion of dual enrollment and the nursing program, trained new deans and directors, implemented the college’s transition from divisions to schools as a key component of Guided Pathways, improved the online catalog and deployed Program Mapper to guide students’ journeys. Dr. Sanders holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from a joint program of the University of California, Davis and Sonoma State University; a master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Oregon, Eugene; and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Chancellor Yong is expected to recommend a finalist to the YCCD Board of Trustees for consideration in early December, with the goal of announcing the next president of MJC by Dec. 13. The new leader is expected to take over early in 2024.
