Gratton to leave OCC post

Deirdre Newman

OCC CAMPUS -- After six years of adding faculty and establishing new

positions, Orange Coast College President Margaret Gratton will retire at

the end of the school year.

The Laguna Beach resident said she is leaving to pursue personal

interests and other professional goals. The district’s board of trustees

will soon start the search for her successor.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Orange Coast College. I’ve never

loved an institution like I love OCC. I won’t forget this place or its

people,” Gratton said in a press release.

Gratton, 64, is the only woman to hold the post in the college’s

54-year history.

Gratton was accused this school year of repressing academic freedom

based on her handling of the investigation of political science professor

Ken Hearlson after he was accused of harassment by four Muslim students.

Instead of going through the department, Gratton put the controversial

professor on administrative leave and ordered an independent

investigation by the county office of education. The investigation

eventually cleared Hearlson of the bulk of charges.

The debate over academic freedom rages on as the teachers union is

still negotiating parameters of acceptable classroom behavior for its new

contract.

Gratton leaves a rich legacy, including the hiring of 100 new faculty

members and establishing 20 new full-time faculty positions.

“She’ll be very definitely missed,” said Walt Howald, board president.

“She has been a positive force for the college and has expended a great

deal of energy, especially to maintain OCC’s traditionally high faculty

quality.”

During her presidency, enrollment increased by almost 3,000 students.

So did the number of transfers -- last year the college became the

state’s leader in transferring students to Cal State campuses.

Last fall, Gratton received the 2001 Outstanding President Award from

the California Community College Council for staff and organizational

development.

* Deirdre Newman covers education. She may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at o7 deirdre.newman@latimes.comf7 .