OCC names new VP of instruction

Orange Coast College named a new vice president of instruction with expertise in accreditation issues.

North Dakota native John Weispfenning will take over July 2. He will oversee all instructional divisions, curriculum, academic scheduling and accreditation.

“John brings to our campus an impressive record of academic excellence and high-level expertise in strategic planning,” OCC President Dennis Harkins said in a prepared statement. “He’s a skilled communicator and proven leader who understands both the challenges and opportunities facing California’s community colleges.”

Weispfenning has served since 2007 as dean of library, arts, humanities and social sciences at Santiago Canyon College.

He has a doctorate from Purdue University, a master’s degree from North Dakota State University and a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University.

He lives in Orange with his wife, Christine Kelly, an OCC alumna.

— Britney Barnes

Twitter: @britneyjbarnes