This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) has selected four finalists after an extensive nationwide search for the next President of Scottsdale Community College. The search committee, comprised of College, student, and community representatives, has conducted a thorough screening and preliminary interviews with applicants in order to identify those best suited to lead SCC with long-term success.
Public forums with finalists will take place on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. The forums are open to students, employees, and the general public. Each forum allows the audience to ask questions and provide feedback that goes to me for further consideration as a part of a comprehensive and inclusive evaluation of each candidate.
In alphabetical order, the finalists are:
Jennifer Eccles, Ph.D., MSN, M.Ed., RN
Dr. Jennifer Eccles is the System Director of Nursing Initiatives in Minnesota, liaising with 62 nursing programs encompassing 16,000 full-time equivalent students in the state system of 37 colleges and universities. She works with community, industry, government, and national partners to support workforce initiatives in Minnesota. Jennifer provides collaborative visionary leadership to pioneer, develop, and execute highly effective programs and services that meet workforce demands, foster education, achieve equity, empower people, and change lives.
Jack Kahn, Ph.D.
In the last several years, Jack served as the Dean for Social and Behavioral Sciences and then the Assistant Superintendent/ Vice President of Instruction at Palomar College. In these roles, Jack worked with his teams to help expand the impact of LatinX/Hispanic outreach, formed numerous community and industry partnerships, began Middle College programs, launched Guided Pathways, and several other initiatives. One of his most innovative projects has been working with colleagues at Camp Pendleton and Marine University to create and expand an apprenticeship to convert Marine training to Community College curriculum.
Mark Lausch, Ed.D., MPH
In July 2020 Mark took on the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs at SUNY Nassau Community College, located in Garden City, NY. In this role, he also serves as the Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Middles States Commission on Higher Education and oversees all operations relative to the strategic plan and its supporting plans. Dr. Lausch significantly expanded Guided Pathways operations infusing it into all student-facing and student supporting areas of the college.
Eric Leshinskie, Ed.D., M.Ed.
Dr. Eric Leshinskie is the Interim Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost of the Maricopa County Community College District, where he oversees Academic and Student Affairs; Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness; Business Services; Human Resources; Information Technology Services; and the Enterprise Performance Office. Prior to serving in his current role, Dr. Leshinskie was the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), where he collaborated with faculty and staff to advance PVCC’s mission of student success.