Columbia, CA…The Columbia College Presidential Search Committee has selected two finalists who will participate in community open forums scheduled for April 18 and 19, 2018 at Columbia College.

The finalists (with most recent position held) are listed below with forum times:

Dr. Santanu Bandyopadhyay – (Wednesday, April 18, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the Dogwood Forum Building)

(Executive Vice President of Educational Programs and Student Services, Cypress College – Cypress CA)

Dr. James Todd – (Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. in the Dogwood Forum Building)

(Vice President of Student Services at Modesto Junior College – Modesto, CA)

The search committee was chaired by Dr. Melissa Raby, Vice President of Student Services, Columbia College. Initial interviews were completed April 6, 2018 and the names of the two finalists have been forwarded to Chancellor Yong and the YCCD Board of Trustees.

Open forums have been scheduled on April 18 and April 19 in the Dogwood Forum, Columbia College, 11600 Columbia College Drive, Sonora. The forum on April 18 will be from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., the forum on April 19 will be from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Each finalist will be given an opportunity to discuss their preparation for the position, their education and leadership philosophy, concluding with a time to respond to questions from the forum attendees. The forums are open to the public and community members are warmly invited to attend.

Profiles:

Dr. Santanu Bandyopadhyay

(Forum date/time: April 18, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

Education:

· Ph.D. in Higher Education, Ohio University

· MBA, Ohio University

· B.S. in Physics, Kolkata University

Professional Experience:

· Executive Vice President of Educational Programs and Student Services, Cypress College

· Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Cypress College

· Budget and Policy Analyst, Ohio University

Dr. James Todd

(Forum date/time: April 19, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)

Education:

· Ph.D. and M.A in Cultural Anthropology, University of California, Santa Cruz

· M.A in Anthropology, The George Washington University

· B.A. in Anthropology, New College of the University of South Florida

· A.A. in General Studies, Brevard Community College

Professional Experience:

· Vice President of Student Services, Modesto Junior College

· Professor of Anthropology and Academic Senate President, Modesto Junior College