What's been happening lately? UPM - May 19, 2010
Harrison named interim president - Unions not a priority
Fran White having quit her job without settling the three year negotiations with UPM was replaced with Al Harrison the current CFO of the college at last night's board of trustees meeting. When addressing the board, Harrison outlined the "three top priority issues facing the board at this time." Missing from the list or anywhere else in his remarks is any mention of the current contract negotiations. This is an ominous if not expected start to his "leading" the college while it searches for a more permanent replacement.
In spite of all the fanfare with her retirement, Fran is leaving with her job undone. That's not what many would consider the mark of a good leader. Does that mean the possible strike against an imposed contract will be known as Fran's strike or Harrison's? One might expect a reasonable board of trustees would want to bring the contract negotiations to a close before hiring a new permanent college president, rather than present the newbie a college with a striking or at least highly antagonized faculty.
Is Fran leaving
NEWS RELEASE
News Contact:
Cathy Summa-Wolfe, College of Marin, 415-485-9528, cathy.summawolfe@marin.edu
College of Marin Trustees Appoints Al J. Harrison II as Interim-Superintendent/President
KENTFIELD, Calif., May 19, 2010 — College of Marin Board of Trustees announced last night at its regular monthly meeting that Vice President of College Operations Al J. Harrison II will serve as Interim-Superintendent/President following the departure of Frances L. White, Ph.D., who retires next month.
Mr. Harrison is looking forward to working with the Board of Trustees and the college community to ensure a smooth transition while the search for a permanent superintendent/president continues.
Mr. Harrison said: “I appreciate the confidence that the Board has expressed in me and it is truly an honor to be selected to serve in this way. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, and the trustees in continuing to move the college forward during this transition period.”
Mr. Harrison says that there are three top priority issues facing the college at this time. “First and foremost are our institutional efforts to complete the accreditation self-study process and planning for the team visit in October. Our next challenge is to address a $1.2 million shortfall projected for next fiscal year and present a balanced budget to the board in August. The third major priority is to ensure that the facilities modernization program continues to stay on track.”
Concerning the college’s significant budgetary issues, Mr. Harrison hopes to minimize reductions that would negatively impact the classroom while maintaining the effectiveness of necessary programs and services to students.
Mr. Harrison is a veteran California community college administrator with over 34 years of experience managing finances at California community colleges. He served as Peralta Community College District interim chancellor from 1995 to 1999. Mr. Harrison is a certified public account, has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University, a Master of Business Administration from St. Mary’s College, and is in the process of completing a doctorate in business administration from Northcentral University. He is married to Gaye Lynette Harrison and they have three grown children.