NR 08-2830                            May 29, 2008              News Bureau Staff

 

College of DuPage Names Interim President

Dr. Harold McAninch, C.O.D. President from 1979-1994, to lead college while

trustees recruit permanent replacement

 

May 29, 2008. Glen Ellyn, IL— The College of DuPage Board of Trustees today voted to appoint Dr. Harold McAninch Interim President, replacing Dr. Sunil Chand who was named President Emeritus on Tuesday, May 27. McAninch will serve until the trustees name a permanent replacement.

McAninch has served as an interim president at four community colleges since his retirement from College of DuPage in 1994. Prior to joining C.O.D. in 1979, he was president of Joliet Junior College. 

“There is no one more capable or suited to step into this role,” said C.O.D. Board Chairman Micheal McKinnon. “Not only is McAninch a renowned academic administrator with extensive transitional leadership experience at the community college level, he also played an unmatched role in the growth of College of DuPage. He shares our commitment to this institution and to our community.”

“I am excited to be returning to the college that has been such an enormous part of my professional career,” said McAninch, a Naperville resident. “It is an honor to be asked to help C.O.D. begin this new chapter in its history. I am committed to helping the college leadership move forward with its vision for the future.”

 

 

 

 

Chand will continue to work with the college’s administration on various projects in his role as President Emeritus. “It will be great for the college to have Dr. Chand on board. He is invaluable to making this transition a success,” McAninch said.

“We are confident that McAninch and our administrative team will capably guide the college through this transition,” McKinnon said. “Our upcoming search for a permanent president will focus on individuals who share a commitment to innovation and excellence – we are looking for someone who will further our mission of providing outstanding educational opportunities while making the best use of taxpayer dollars.”

The Board Chairman reiterated that there is not a set timetable for finding a new president. “Hiring a president is one of the most important jobs of the college’s Board of Trustees. It is not something you want to rush,” McKinnon said. “As all of us on the Board have experienced this week, these decisions are very difficult. Having the best team in place is critical to a college’s success, and the Board bears this responsibility. We must remain focused and have thick skins to make these calls.”

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