Dear Faculty and Staff,

I am writing to share one more organizational change at Shoreline Community College. In order to manage some organizational efficiencies in senior leadership, the offices of the Foundation/Advancement will be combined with Communications and Marketing. As some of you are aware, this was the original organization structure of this unit several years ago. Additionally, to ensure appropriate strategic direction for both offices a leadership change will occur.

Diana Dotter will shift to Acting Associate Vice President for Advancement, Communications and Marketing/Executive Director of the Foundation. Ms. Dotter’s experience in non-profit education and private sector industry makes her an ideal fit for this key leadership position. She has a strong background in foundation and advancement, giving and major donations, scholarship and grant support, strategic planning, marketing, branding, producing original media, and communication. She has a unique background leading creative teams, creating strategic partnerships for development purposes. The Foundation team will continue to operate as before and report to Ms. Dotter. The Communications & Marketing team will continue to operate with all members of the current team and report to Ms. Dotter. Ms. Dotter will be a member of the College’s executive team (ET).

Financial implications from these position changes will be paid for with salary savings from existing transitions. These changes will not cost more, or add to the general fund budget, for the College. 

Please join me in welcoming Ms. Dotter to her new role.

Phillip J. King

Acting President

Dear Faculty and Staff,

I am writing to share several upcoming staffing changes at Shoreline Community College. As announced in the May 28, 2021 Board of Trustees meetings, I have been named as the Acting President beginning July 1, 2021. I will remain in this role until an Interim President is selected, at which time I will return to my position as Vice President for Student Learning, Equity & Success (VP-SLES).

In order to assist in this temporary transition in leadership, a number of staff changes have been identified to ensure ongoing support of the College’s goals. These changes will be made on (or close to) July 1, 2021 as outlined below.  

• Samira Pardanani will permanently shift to Associate Vice President for Student Services & International Education. Ms. Pardanani’s education and experience make her an ideal fit for this student services position. She has a strong background in general student services, in ESL instruction, academic and student service management, strategic enrollment management, and international marketing. She has a strong ability in leading high-functioning teams as demonstrated in her work of leading Shoreline’s IE department, considered to be a national leader among community colleges hosting international students. Ms. Pardanani will lead and supervise all areas of the College’s student support services, including supervision of Dean Derek Levy (Student Support Services) and Acting Dean Lisa Malik (Access & Advising). Ms. Pardanani also will make a small set of organizational changes within her international education team to manage her new role. Ms. Pardanani will report to me in my Acting President role and will report to the VP-SLES when I return to that permanent position.
• Ann Garnsey-Harter will temporarily shift (for one year) to Associate Vice President for Academic Operations & Learning Resources. This temporary position has been created to support the significant administrative work necessary in the coming year to support a return to on-campus instruction and services. Dr. Garnsey-Harter consistently has demonstrated her capacity for major strategic and organizational planning that will be required for the College to navigate the complexity of our return. Behind Dr. Garnsey-Harter, Amy Rovner will step into the role of Acting Director of eLearning for one year. During 2021-22, Dr. Garnsey-Harter’s direct report areas will include the Associate Dean of the Library & Learning Resources, the Acting Director of eLearning, the Director of Classroom Support Services, Continuing Education and Rentals, and all academic operations. Dr. Garnsey-Harter will report to me in my Acting President role and will report to the VP-SLES when I return to my permanent role.
• Guy Hamilton will temporarily assume the role of Acting Vice President for Student Learning. Dr. Hamilton has taken this role on in the past, and has significant experience in instructional management, contract management, facilities, and operations. He will remain in that position until an Interim President is selected and I return to my role as VP-SLES. Behind Dr. Hamilton, Crystal Hess will step into the role of Acting Executive Dean of STEM and Workforce until Dr. Hamilton returns to his Executive Dean role.  

Acting Associate VP Garnsey-Harter, Acting VP Hamilton, and Associate VP Pardanani also will become members of Executive Team. All three individuals have continued to demonstrate deep commitment to Shoreline by stepping in to assume leadership roles when needed and have been at the College for many years. The full Executive Team will include Dawn Beck, Ann Garnsey-Harter, Guy Hamilton, Phillip King , Martha Lynn, Samira Pardanani, Gavin Smith, and Veronica Zura. 

Financial implications from these position changes will be paid for within salary savings from existing transitions. These changes will not cost more, or add to the general fund budget, for the College. 

There may be additional smaller changes as we navigate other transitions of staff (resignations and/or retirements).  We will keep the College abreast as those changes occur. Additionally, we will update the College’s organizational chart to reflect the above changes.

Sincerely,

Phillip J. King

Vice President, Student Learning, Equity & Success

The Employee Comings and Goings Report for May/June 2021 is now available.

You may find all of the monthly Employee Comings and Goings Reports on the HR intranet page. If you have any questions about this information, please contact scchr@shoreline.edu.

Dear Colleague,

It is with mixed feelings that I write this letter of farewell as President of Shoreline. It was not an easy decision to make. I have been most fortunate to be associated with Shoreline during a time of historic and rapid change. My time has marked the fulfillment of our blueprint focused on integrating student success, diversity, quality, and sustainability principles across every facet of college life. It was an exciting time to provide leadership as we nurtured our vision of transforming lives and communities through exceptional learning experiences. It has been a remarkable time of learning for me individually and as a member of the college community.

As Annie Dillard said so well, “How you spend each day, is of course, how you live your life.”

Coming to Shoreline allowed me to stretch my professional wings and grow in amazing ways both personally and professionally. It also helped me discern what is important in my life. Having a full life with meaningful work surrounded by the love and warmth of family and friends is important. I believe this decision to retire will result in more balance, wholeness, and health.

As with everything in life, decisions create choices and opportunities. Being a part of this college community has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. I continue to be humbled by my affiliation with such extraordinary professionals at Shoreline. You are committed to something noble – creating the conditions where students can be successful, as well as building a culture of care and respect. Thank you for the opportunity to share in this most important work.

Thank you for everything you’ve done to support the College’s vision and mission during my time at Shoreline. Your unwavering belief and encouragement of our work will be a lasting memory and one I will always cherish.

As you move forward, I know you will support the Acting President Phillip King, with steadfast support and care during the upcoming academic year!

With deepest gratitude,

Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.