Directions set in key administrative positions

Shoreline Community College has solidified a number of key administrative jobs with solutions tailored for each position.

“It is important to make sure our structure reflects the functions that are before us,” President Cheryl Roberts. “I’ve been speaking with a number of people and groups across campus to get their insights, including the trustees, Executive Leadership Team (ELT), union leadership, dean team and others. Getting their perspectives has been very helpful and I thank them for sharing their time and expertise.”

The input has helped in creating paths forward in four areas, including: the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA) position, the vacant Vice President for Administrative Services job and the soon-to-be vacated position now held by Holly Woodmansee.

First, Bob Francis has been appointed to continue as Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA) through June, 2016.

“I’m very pleased and thankful that the college and our students will continue to benefit from Bob’s experience and passion for students, their learning and creating extraordinary student services,” Roberts said. “We’ve just been through a search process that didn’t work out as hoped and took a lot out of the college. Moving right into another search cycle in January would not give us sufficient time to determine the kind of qualifications we seek in a successful candidate.

“Bob’s willingness to serve allows us to focus on the important work right in front of us and to establish our strategic path. Over the next year, we’ll gain clarity about what is needed to lead our instruction and student services division.”

Francis said he is excited about the opportunity.

“I’m energized and looking forward to continue working with this exceptional team,” said Francis, who has been in the position as Acting VPASA since May, 2014. His plans had included retirement at the end of the 2014-15 academic year, but Francis agreed to a postponement when asked by Roberts. The appointment also removes the word “acting” from his title.

Roberts said that she sees the college beginning a new search process in January, 2016. “That gives us time to evaluate what is needed in this key leadership position and would put us in the traditional hiring cycle,” Roberts said. “Bob has also agreed to be available to help his successor make a smooth transition.”

Francis’ appointment has some implications for other positions in the Office of Academic and student Affairs. Terry Taylor, Acting Dean for Social Sciences and Equity and Social Justice, will continue through the 2014-15 academic year and a search for permanent hire is anticipated to start in January, 2015. The current search for a Dean of Health Occupations and Physical Education is ongoing and will continue. That position is now held by Acting Dean Alison Leahy. The Arts, Humanities and Visual Communications Technology departments are also led by an acting dean, Kathie Hunt, a situation that Francis will share more information on in the future.

The college won’t move ahead with filling the vacant Vice President for Administrative Services position. “We have a strong team in place and an organizational structure that is working well,” Roberts said. “We have the right people to move the college forward.”

That means the college will immediately move ahead with filling the executive director position now held by Holly Woodmansee, who recently announced she is taking a vice-president position at Bates Technical College. She starts her new position on Oct. 27. Details of the position description range of duties and job title are being worked out now, but Roberts said she’d like to see a posting by next week.

“Holly has given 10 years of outstanding service to our college community,” Roberts said. “I couldn’t be happier for her and I also realize her decision to leave requires us to look at the administrative services work of our college in a different way.”

Woodmansee’s replacement will be more focused on budget, capital and financial analysis. Some of the existing position’s duties around facilities will transfer to Mary Kelemen, Executive Director for Auxiliary and Logistical Support Services. Stuart Trippel will continue with his duties as Executive Director for Business and Student Support Services as well as Technology Support Services.

“There are a lot of moving parts in this process. It’s a balance between listening and acting. I’m very grateful to everyone who contributed their ideas and perspectives to these decisions,” Roberts said.