West Hills College District narrows search for new chancellor, public forums slated

Gornick, who has been a part of the West Hills College District for the past 23 years, is retiring in 2017 after more than two decades helping to raise West Hills statewide and national profile by expanding into two comprehensive campus and creating local educational opportunities for thousands of local students.

West Hills College District Website

The four finalists were selected from the top seven candidates, who were interviewed by a committee following a nationwide search. The next stop is a series of forums, allowing the public to hear what the candidates have to say about themselves and their goals for the district.

The public and members of the West Hills College community will have an opportunity to submit questions for the candidates and hear from them directly about their qualifications and goals for the position during the forums.

Three of the four finalists are from the San Joaquin Valley and are familiar with West Hills College.

The finalists are Dr. Sandra Caldwell, President of Reedley College; Dr. Melinda Nish, Executive Advisor to the President at College of the Marshall Islands; Dr. Jill Stearns, President of Modesto Junior College; and Dr. Stuart Van Horn, Interim President of West Hills College Coalinga.

Forums will be held throughout the district, with four separate forums on each day: at West Hills College Lemoore on Dec. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in room 253; at West Hills College Coalinga on Dec. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room R10A/B; and North District Center, Firebaugh, Room 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. 

 Each candidate will have a chance to speak and answer questions at each forum, at each location.

 The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

 Following the series of forums, the finalists will be interviewed by the WHCCD Board of Trustees on Dec. 15 after which one will be selected for the position.