Five Finalists Named in Mt. SAC Presidential Search

March 01, 2023 - 12:29 AM

The Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees today announced five finalists for the next president of the state’s largest single campus community college district. The candidates, in alphabetical order, are:

• Dr. Erika Endrijonas, Superintendent/President, Pasadena City College
• Dr. Nicole Esposito, Chief Executive Officer, Manchester Community College, Manchester, Conn.
• Dr. Martha Garcia, Superintendent/President, College of the Desert
• Dr. Kimberlee Messina, President, Spokane Falls Community College, Washington
• Dr. Katrina VanderWoude, Vice Chancellor, Los Angeles Community College District

The final five candidates were selected from a group of 12 semifinalists who were interviewed Feb. 23, Feb. 24 and Feb. 27. In total, Mt. SAC received 37 applications from throughout the country.  Twenty-nine candidates were forwarded to the screening committee.

The five finalists will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Mt. SAC community at a public forum on March 6, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Sophia B. Clarke Theater.  During the event, each candidate will have 45 minutes to share their views and philosophies on current issues and challenges, as well as their vision for the college's future direction.  The finalists will provide a three-minute opening statement, followed by eight to 10 pre-selected questions. Each will give a three-minute closing statement. Visit the Presidential Search website to view biographical information submitted by the final candidates. Dr. Benjamin Duran of the search firm PPL, Inc. will serve as the moderator.

The forum will stream live on the Mt. SAC YouTube page and a recording of the event will be available from March 6 to March 13 on the Presidential Search website.  Feedback is encouraged and can be submitted anonymously through an online form. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. March 13.

The Board of Trustees is scheduled to interview finalists on March 20 through March 22, and announce the appointment of the next president in April.

The new president will replace Dr. Bill Scroggins who is retiring June 30 after 12 years at Mt. SAC, and nearly 50 years in higher education.