Columbia College Academic Senate Passes Another No Confidence Vote In President
Columbia, CA — The Columbia College Academic Senate, which represents the faculty at the school, has again passed a Vote of No Confidence resolution regarding President, Dr. Lena Tran.
We reported earlier that a similar action was taken last month. However, the Academic Senate discovered that an error was made in the voting process at the previous meeting, so the first reading was repeated on November 15. It passed with 16 yes votes, one no, and five abstentions.
This time, wording was added calling for Dr. Tran’s resignation or removal from her position. The group cites that a growing number of staff, including those in leadership roles, have taken leaves, or left the college permanently, due to inhospitable working conditions. In addition, they state that concerns have been communicated to the Yosemite Community College District Chancellor Henry Yong, as well as the YCCD Board of Trustees, and there have been no notable changes.
Longtime Columbia College staff member, Dr. Adrienne Seegers, was one of the staff members who proposed the Vote of No Confidence. She states that she is, “unwilling to see more people with a lifelong commitment to the college leave due to Dr. Tran’s leadership.”
Seegers adds, “On our small campus, we cannot afford to lose a single high-quality employee. We will be unable to maintain our long track record of excellent student service if we can’t retain staff, including our leaders.”
The college’s Classified Senate will vote on a similar resolution of No Confidence on December 13.
Dr. Tran earlier submitted a myMotherLode.com blog in response to last month’s Vote of No Confidence and you can read it by clicking here. She highlighted some of the accomplishments over her two and a half years of leadership, including $20 million in grants received, strengthening professional development opportunities, expanded partnerships with groups like CAL Fire, recent national recognition, and increasing enrollment.
Dr. Tran’s employment is overseen by the YCCD Board of Directors, so the Vote of No Confidence was done as a statement expressing the sentiments of staff members.
