PRESS RELEASE
YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Modesto Junior College & Columbia College
Date:  May 18, 2011
Contact:  Nick Stavrianoudakis, Director of Public Affairs: (209)575-6959,
stavrianoudakisn@yosemite.edu

Dr. Dennis Gervin Names Columbia College President

SONORA, CA – The Yosemite Community College District (YCCD) Board, in a 6-0 vote, approved Dr. Dennis Gervin as the next President of Columbia College at their June 8 meeting in Modesto. 

Gervin has served in his current capacity as Columbia College Vice President of Student Learning since 2005.  He previously held other administrative positions at Columbia College as the Interim Dean of Student Services and Interim Dean of Instruction: Arts and Sciences.  Prior to that, Gervin served as Dean of Instructional Services at Modesto Junior College (MJC) for four years, MJC Interim Dean of Library and Learning Resources for a year, and MJC Dean of Science, Mathematics and Engineering from 1999-2002.  His career at the YCCD began in 1995 as a Professor of Microbiology and Biology at MJC, earning Tenure as a full-time faculty member in 1999.

According to YCCD Chancellor Joan Smith, “I know Dr. Gervin will be an outstanding President for Columbia College. During my time as the president of the college I worked alongside Dennis and have been most impressed with his work ethic, dedication to student learning and success and his love of Columbia College—the college will be in good hands now.”

Gervin replaces Dr. Richard Jones, who has served as Columbia College Interim President since August 23, 2010. He replaced then-President, Joan Smith.  Last August, Smith was promoted to head the District serving as Interim Chancellor, before being named permanent Chancellor earlier this February.  

“The College has a brilliant and inspiring culture that is truly student focused.  It will be a very special privilege to serve the College and Community as President,” said Dr. Gervin.  “I look forward to helping guide the college through the next decade, as the college, our educational system and communities grow and change during these challenging times. Put very simply, there is no place I would rather be, and I can’t wait to get started.”

According to YCCD Area 1 Trustee Lynn Martin, who was on the selection committee, “Dr. Gervin is the ideal candidate to lead Columbia College. His proven expertise with all aspects of the community college enterprise has been thoroughly demonstrated. His knowledge and ability to work with students, staff and faculty makes his fit at Columbia very special.” 

Gervin received his Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and also his B.A. in Microbiology from UCSB. 

His selection comes after a nationwide search chaired by Columbia College professor Raelene Juarez.  The search began in March 2011 and produced 28 applicants. After interviews, the pool was further narrowed to three finalists, who participated in campus forums held at Columbia College in May.

Summing up the promotion, YCCD Chancellor Joan Smith noted, “I am very pleased about the screening committee’s selection of Dr. Gervin.  He is a seasoned administrator who has the knowledge and decision-making abilities that are needed to lead the college during these challenging times. I was most excited and pleased to recommend him for approval to our Board of Trustees as the next president of Columbia College.”