Pulse Staff Reporter
As of August 31, 2001, Palo Alto College will no longer have Dr. Enrique Solis as its President.
Solis is the fourth president in Palo Alto’s 16-year history. The average tenure for a president at Palo Alto is three to five years.
A search has already been implemented for a fifth president, and the final selection should be forwarded by March 30, 2001. Alamo Community College District Chancellor Robert Ramsay would like to finalize the search for the replacement before the Board meeting in June.
“In order for Palo Alto College to be a continuing success, I hope that whoever best fits the campus is chosen as the new president and is someone who will strengthen what was started without redirecting too much,” said Solis.
The requirements for the position are straightforward. The college needs someone who has experience in Academic Degree transfer courses, Occupational Technology, and a Doctorate.
“Experience, a good connection within the educational community and the community itself, cooperation between the faculty and administration, and the ability to communicate with students and Palo Alto’s employees” is what the committee is looking for, said Larry Losoya, Faculty Senate President. “Also, someone who will push the educational standards of the college.”
As for the Self Study, accreditation should not be jeopardized because of Solis’ resignation. “It is bad timing, but the Vice President, Luciano Soliz, is readily available to answer questions, and he has been taking care of the logistics part,” said Losoya.
President Solis’ advice for Palo Alto’s students is two fold: “For short term, complete your programs of study, and if you have not picked one yet, do it as soon as possible. As for long term, always be curious about the world around you and never stop learning.”