SANTA ANA : Rancho Santiago Hires Chancellor

Trustees of the Rancho Santiago Community College District on Monday hired Vivian Blevins as chancellor of the district.

Blevins, who is currently president of Lee College in Baytown, Tex., replaces Robert D. Jensen, who left the district in June to become chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District in Northern California.

Blevins is expected to assume the $120,000-a-year job this fall, although officials have not set a firm start date. Interim Chancellor Lincoln Hall, who was not a candidate for the permanent job, will remain in the position until Blevins takes over.

Blevins has been president of Lee College since 1986. Before then, she served in two administrative posts at Southeast Community College in Cumberland, Ky.

She holds a doctorate in American literature and English education from Ohio State University. Blevins has a master’s degree in educational supervision from Eastern Kentucky University, and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Toledo. She’s also a graduate of Cumberland Junior College.

The original field of applicants was narrowed down to eight by a 10-member committee composed of students, faculty members and administrators. Trustees then interviewed the field of eight and selected four finalists.

“I think in the history of this college we have never had more people involved in the selection of a chancellor,” Trustee Brian Conley said. “We feel like we’ve selected a fine new chancellor. We’re united behind her, and we’re sure she’ll do a great job.”

The other finalists were: William Vega, president of Coastline College; Max Castillo, president of San Antonio College in Texas; and Brice Harris, vice chancellor of institutional services at Metropolitan Community Colleges in Kansas City, Mo.

“I’m really pleased with the selection process and the outcome of it,” Trustee Charles W. (Pete) Maddox said. “This is the start of an exciting new time in our district.”