Lambert finalist for chancellor at Arizona college

Shoreline Community College President Lee Lambert is one of four finalists for the position of Chancellor at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz.

“I love Shoreline and I’m happy to continue the work we are doing,” Lambert said. “At the same time, I am intrigued by the opportunity to do that work, helping students and serving communities, on a larger scale.”

In addition to President Lambert, the finalists, include:

• Terrence J. Burgess, Ph.D., President, San Diego City College, San Diego, Calif.
• Greg P. Smith, Ph.D., President, Central Community College, Columbus, Neb.
• Elnora Tena Webb, Ph.D., President, Laney College, Oakland, Calif.
  
  

A 31-member independent citizens’ Search Advisory Committee that has been leading Pima’s search for a new chancellor recommended the finalists to the Board of Governors Friday, April 19, 2013.

“We want President Lambert to stay at Shoreline, period. However, the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees understands that the same qualities that make him so valuable and effective at Shoreline also make him attractive to other community colleges,” Board Chair Phil Barrett said. “College employees, students and the communities we serve should know that regardless of the outcome, the Board is committed to the academic values and institutional goals that are in place and that President Lambert is pursuing with such success.”

Pima, which has six campuses across the greater Tucson metropolitan area and Pima County, has seen recent turmoil.

This past week, on April 16, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools placed Pima on two-year accreditation probation. There is an Aug. 1, 2013 deadline to file a monitoring report outlining how the college will address concerns in the probation notice.

The probation notice comes a year after former Chancellor Roy Flores resigned following reports of sexual harassment. Earlier this year, the Higher Learning Commission issued a report that reviewed the harassment issue and eight other complaint areas. Zelema Harris, retired chancellor of St. Louis Community College, is serving as interim chancellor until a permanent chancellor is appointed.

The Association of Community College Trustees has served as an executive search consultant in the effort since February after an earlier search by another firm was extended.

Lambert says he isn’t put off by Pima’s problems.

“There are challenges, but I enjoy addressing challenges,” Lambert said. He noted that the probation notice doesn’t cite anything related to academics. “Pima has good academic programs and faculty and staff who are very committed to student success.”