PAST PRESIDENTS OF MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

Dr. George H. Bell

1946 - 1956

Dr. George H. Bell was Mt. SAC's first president. He oversaw passage of the college's first bond measure, which enabled construction of the first buildings on campus. In 1946, the college opened its doors to 635 students and a staff of 32.

Dr. Oscar H. Edinger, Jr.

1956 - 1969

Dr. Oscar H. Edinger, Jr. was instrumental in securing passage of the Donahoe Act, which was the first master plan for higher education. He also secured passage of a 20-cent tax override for campus construction set in perpetuity. The tax override was later negated by Proposition 13.

Mrs. Marie T. Mills

1969 - 1972

Marie T. Mills, the only woman to lead Mt. SAC, was one of the earlier advocates for equal opportunity and diversity in higher education. At Mt. SAC, she enhanced opportunities for women and students of color and hired the college's first diversity coordinator to recruit and nurture African Americans, Latinos, and Asian-Pacific Islanders.

Eldon E. Pearce

1972 - 1977

Eldon E. Pearce presided during the era that birthed collective bargaining between the college and the employees' association. He helped to initiate participatory governance at the college.

Dr. John D. Randall

1977 - 1991

Dr. John D. Randall is credited with maintaining Mt. SAC's fiscal stability. He served a one-year term in 1987 as interim Chancellor of the California Community College system. He was instrumental in the passage of AB 1725, the Omnibus Community College reform bill, which included new funding for the state's community colleges.

Dr. William H. Feddersen

1991 - 2002

Dr. William H. Feddersen is credited with passing the $221 million building program bond and completing construction of the first new campus facilities in 25 years. He also established the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Chapter at Mt. SAC. Dr. Feddersen initiated quality improvement initiatives in teaching and administrative operations. Feddersen served as President of the California Community Colleges CEO Board and on the Community College League, as well as the Association of California Community College Administrators Board.

Dr. Christopher C. O'Hearn

2002 - 2007

Dr. O'Hearn is credited with spearheading the state’s most aggressive and successful community college construction program, having opened major classroom facilities serving the humanities, the sciences, athletics and the arts via the voter-approved $221-million Measure R bond. Under his leadership, Mt. SAC was granted the maximum 6-year accreditation status in 2005 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges with high commendation. During Dr. O'Hearn's five-year administration, Mt. SAC’s graduation and transfer rates set new records, enrollment steadily increased, scholarship funding exceeded previous records, the College's Endowment Fund (via the Mt. SAC Foundation) was established, and partnerships were forged with local business and industry, K-12 school districts, as well as baccalaureate-level colleges and universities. Faculty and students continued to garner awards and distinction, including state and national championships in aviation, athletics, the performing arts, forensics and the Honors program, which is among the state’s largest.