Final Three Candidates Chosen in PCC Presidential Search

(Left to Right) Kimberlee S. Messina, Erika A. Endrijonas, and J. Arturo Reyes. – Courtesy photos / PCC

Community forums slated for Nov. 27-29

The Pasadena Community College (PCC) Board of Trustees has enlisted the help of a management consultant, PPL, Inc., and a Campus Screening Committee made up of a cross-section of members of campus constituent organizations. Last week, the Board interviewed five candidates for the position, and they have selected the following three individuals for further consideration:

Erika A. Endrijonas, Ed.D., has been president of Los Angeles Valley College since August 2014. Previously, she was executive vice president and accreditation liaison officer at Oxnard College for five years, and prior to that, she served nine years at Santa Barbara City College as dean of educational programs. Dr. Endrijonas has served on the statewide California Community College boards of the Chief Instructional Officers, the Chief Student Services Officers, and the Association for Occupational Education. She currently serves as the Western State Conference CEO representative to the California Community College Athletic Association board and as the co-chair of the national LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education board. Locally, Dr. Endrijonas serves on the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) board, where she co-chairs the Education Committee. In addition to serving on the board and the management committee of the Valley Economic Alliance, she is also chair of the Intelecom board of directors and a member of the Village Family Services board. Dr. Endrijonas holds a bachelor’s degree in history from California State University, Northridge, and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in history from the University of Southern California.

Kimberlee S. Messina, Ed.D., served as the vice president of instruction and institutional research and interim president at Foothill College from 2011-2016 before joining the San Mateo County Community College District as the interim vice chancellor of educational services and planning. As vice chancellor, her primary focus has been on strategic planning, student equity, and the development and implementation of guided pathways. Dr. Messina’s career path includes service as an adjunct faculty member, a tenured Spanish instructor, a two-term academic senate president, and an instructional dean of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at Santa Rosa Junior College. She has presented to the Statewide Academic Senate and the Association of California Community College Administrators. She currently serves as a member of the technical assistance committee for the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative, a member of the board of the Association for California Community College Administrators, and chair of that organization’s Management Development Commission. A native of Sacramento and a first-generation college student, Dr. Messina holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in Spanish from CSU Sacramento and a doctorate in educational leadership from UC Davis.

Arturo Reyes, Ed.D., has served as superintendent/president of Mendocino College in Ukiah since 2013. His prior experience includes service as executive vice president of academic and student affairs at the Solano Community College District, interim president and vice president of academic affairs at San José City College, and dean of academic affairs, economic development, and workforce development at the Chancellor’s Office. He was a full-time tenure-track Spanish professor and athletic coach at Cosumnes River College before serving as the college’s dean of humanities and social sciences for seven years. Dr. Reyes’ community engagement includes service to the Vacaville Public Education Foundation, Travis Credit Union Supervisory Committee, Vacaville Boys and Girls Club, and the Ukiah Rotary Club, where he is currently president. He serves the Community College League of California’s Advisory Committee on Education Services, the Ukiah Valley Medical Center Community Advisory Council, and has built partnerships with the Mexican Consulate and the United Pomo Nations Council. Dr. Reyes earned bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and communication studies and a master’s degree in educational administration from CSU Sacramento, and holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the UC Davis.

The board is thoroughly impressed with these candidates’ qualifications and experience, and they are confident that among them is the leader PCC needs to continue the college’s outstanding trajectory.

Later this month, each candidate will host a pair of open forums on campus. These events will give everyone in the community the opportunity to learn more about these individuals’ experiences and their vision for the college. The forums are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Nov. 27, 28, and 29, at noon and 5:30 p.m. in Creveling Lounge, and they will be made available on YouTube as well. More information on these forums will be forthcoming.

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