Trustees name Jean Hernandez president of Edmonds CC
12/08/2010
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| Jean Hernandez |
The Edmonds College Board of Trustees has named Jean Hernandez president of Edmonds College. Hernandez will begin work January 1, 2011. Read the article "New EdCC president values the school's culture," in The Herald.
“I am extremely pleased to announce Dr. Hernandez’s selection as Edmonds College’s next president," said Board of Trustees chair Emily Yim. "Her breadth of experience and long-standing commitment to education and student success will be an asset to the college.”
The selection of Hernandez completes a national search that began last spring and involved participation from college students, college employees, and community members. In making their decision, the Trustees considered the results of nearly 600 assessment forms and comments submitted by community members, students, and employees.
“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead a college with such a strong commitment to student learning and success, as well as one with a reputation as a leader in providing exceptional educational programs and building community partnerships," said Hernandez. "I am fully committed to the role and mission of a culturally diverse college and I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, the employees, the students, and the community to shape the future of Edmonds College.”
Retiring president Jack Oharah’s last day will be January 7, 2011. He will be available for consultation during the transition.
With close to 30 years experience in higher education, Hernandez is currently the vice president for instruction at South Seattle Community College, where she recently served as the interim president and vice chancellor from March to July 2010. As vice president for instruction, Hernandez increased the diversity of the tenure track faculty by ethnicity, religion, and age; collaborated with faculty leadership to create a tenure handbook and tenure orientation sessions; and received six grants through the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County totaling more than $500,000.
Hernandez began her community college career at Shoreline Community College as a multicultural studies teacher who was promoted to dean of Health Occupations and Physical Education. She then joined Cascadia Community College as the executive vice president for student learning, where she served as the Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. She has also served in numerous leadership roles with the Washington state community and technical college system.
In addition, she worked in university environments in the areas of human resources, admissions, and career services.
Hernandez received her Doctorate of Education degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Washington and her Master of Education in Counselor Education and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education degrees from the University of North Texas.
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Established in 1967, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and governed by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, Edmonds College is a leader in providing quality opportunities for learning and service, responding to the dynamic needs of our diverse community. The college serves more than 20,000 students annually. www.edmonds.edu