Vice Chancellor leaves for SBCC
Vice Chancellor of Technology and Learning Services, Andrea Serban, will be leaving the South Orange County Community College district to assume the presidency of Santa Barbara City College.
“When this position opened up, I had to go for it,” Serban said. “It was a tremendous opportunity.”
Serban has worked for the SOCCCD for the past two years and has served on various committees. She has worked on receiving grants, especially for technology programs in the district.
Santa Barbara City College will be a familiar territory for Serban who worked there previously for seven years as the Associate Vice President for information technology, research and planning. Although she will miss many staff members and friends from her current position, Serban is happy to return to Santa Barbara.
“Being president at any community college, but particularly in Santa Barbara that was my home for seven years, is an honor,” Serban said.
According to Tracy Daly, Director of Public Affairs for the SOCCCD, the district will conduct a nationwide search to find a new Vice Chancellor. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The new person will be chosen by a search committee composed of administrators, classified staff and instructors.
“They review all the applications on-line,” Daly said. “The process can take 2-4 weeks.”
After the top group of applicants is selected for the first round of interviews, the Chancellor will select a smaller group to continue on to a second round, narrowing down the candidates until one is chosen.
Former Vice President of Instruction at Saddleback College, Donald Busche, will temporarily take over Serban’s roles and act as Interim Vice Chancellor.
“I think the Chancellor is hopeful to have the position filled by the fall semester,” Daly said.
Serban will continue her role as Vice Chancellor until May 8 and looks forward to a long career at Santa Barbara City College.
“I plan to be there as president for at least 20 years,” Serban said. “This is the job for the rest of my professional goal.”