Smith Will Lead YCCD

Columbia, CA — The Yosemite Community College District now has a permanent Chancellor.

Former Columbia College President Dr. Joan Smith has been hired for the position. Dr. Smith has been serving as Interim Chancellor for the past year. She was the unanimous choice of the YCCD Board of Directors at special meeting last night.

“I look forward to leading our institutions during this challenging time,” says Dr. Smith. “As the largest provider of workforce training in the state, community colleges are still the most cost-effective approach to drive California’s recovery.”

Dr. Smith takes over at a time when the YCCD Board is looking at deep budget cuts due to declining state revenue. YCCD may soon be looking at up to $13.5 million in cuts, which would amount to 11% of the 2010-11 budgeted expenditures. Dr. Smith notes, “In March, our Board will be planning for the most horrendous cuts the District will have faced in our history.”

The search will now pick up for a new President at Columbia College. Dr. Richard Jones continues to serve on an interim basis. The Yosemite Community College District includes both Columbia College and Modesto Junior College.