LPC has eagerly awaited the decision of who will fill Kristina Whalen’s shoes as Vice President of Academic Services. Whalen served in this position for almost four years before moving on to become the president of Foothill College in March.
President Dyrell Foster unofficially announced Dr. Nan Ho as the next vice president at the Town Meeting on May 3. Ho will not officially become the VP until she is approved by vote at the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Board of Trustees meeting on May 16.
Ho has been at Las Positas College for about 27 years. She first worked at the college as a professor and then as a dean. She has also served on many campus committees and as an officer in the Faculty Association.
Prior to Foster’s announcement, a forum was held on April 20 in the 2400 building to give the three final candidates a chance to speak for why they should have the position. In attendance were primarily staff and administrators.The finalists were two deans from Las Positas: Dr. Stuart McElderry, Dean of Business – Social Science and Learning Resources and Dr. Nan Ho Dean of Science – Technology – Engineering and Math. The third was a dean from Chabot: Dr. Safiyyah Forbes, Dean of Science and Math.
At the forum, Ho described how she would be inclusive of student’s voices and rights as VP.
“One of the great things we have is rights and responsibilities for students, and we have rights and responsibilities for our employees. When students’ voices come up, and they have issues they raise, you pay attention to them, and you begin to work through the processes we’ve developed at our campus and administrative policy to make sure those voices are captured,” Ho said.
She also spoke about her unique background as a child of immigrants and learning English as her second language.
“I’ve always been very interested in voice, in elevating voice. I want to know who’s at the table, who isn’t at the table and how we find those people that do not have a voice and I want to elevate those voices,” Ho said.
After considering the candidates and receiving feedback from the campus community, Foster nominated Ho for the position. Kristy Woods, an LPC math professor, looks forward to working with Ho in her new role.
“She challenges herself and everyone to put students first. Nan truly arrives at every table with the best intentions, complete participation and insights that elevate the conversation and work to higher heights,” Woods said. “I am truly excited to have her as our next Vice President of Academic Services! Her dedication to our students, our college and commitment to professional growth and equity will benefit our campus in the years to come!”
Brandon Byrne is the A&E editor for the Express. Georgia Whiting is the managing editor and photo editor.
