SCC hires committed new leader

SCC hires committed new leader
By Sarah Rohrs/Times-Herald staff writer
Posted: 04/09/2009

FAIRFIELD -- Solano Community College's new permanent superintendent-president is Jowel Laguerre, the vice president of academic affairs at Truckee Meadows Community College.

Laguerre, 53, will be serving as a college president for the first time and told trustees and about 20 college staff members he expects this job to be his one and only presidency.

"My commitment to Solano Community College is for the rest of my life," Laguerre said, in a prepared statement following the board's 5-1 vote to hire him Wednesday.

Board president A. Marie Young said trustees were impressed by his educational experiences and his April 1 interview.

"Dr. Laguerre is accustomed to dealing with pressure and creating specific solutions for various problems at education institutions," Young said.

"His extensive accreditation experience will make him a valuable addition to (Solano College) as we focus on removing the district off of accreditation sanctions," Young added.

At a March 31 candidates' forum, Laguerre peppered his comments with humor and passionate remarks about Solano College.

Laguerre will step into the top spot at a critical time. Solano College is fighting to keep its accreditation, and bring stability and order.

While at the 13,000-student Truckee Meadows, he led the college in an accreditation self-study and prepared accreditation reports.

He's also served as the institutional liaison for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and has served as an accreditation evaluator.

His appointment may stop the revolving door in the president's office. Solano College has had three top leaders in just over two years.

The last permanent president, Gerry Fisher, abruptly retired in September after one year.

Trustee James Claffey cast the lone vote against hiring Laguerre, saying afterwards he opposed a $10,000 annual housing allowance in his contract.

Otherwise, Claffey said Laguerre, "was my first choice."

A three-year contract starting July 1 provides Laguerre a $225,000 annual salary. He also will get the annual housing allowance, a $5,000 vehicle allowance, $5,000 for fundraising and entertaining, and $3,000 to attend professional conferences.

The board chose Laguerre over two more seasoned candidates -- Thom Armstrong, the interim vice president of academic affairs at Barstow Community College; and Kevin Drumm, president of Northern Wyoming Community College District.

But his lack of college president experience is not a hindrance, Laguerre said before the meeting.

"I think I'm prepared for this challenge. I've worked with a lot of presidents very closely. It's not a one-person show," he said.

"It's always a team effort."

While the board has frequently been divided, particularly in backing the president, Laguerre said trustees are making headway.

Laguerre added he will help trustees lead and work effectively.

Prior to Truckee Meadows, Laguerre served as executive vice president for academic and student services at Montgomery College in Maryland.

Since 1978, he has taught English as a second language, French and other subjects.

A native of Haiti, Laguerre holds a doctorate in educa-tional leadership, plus two masters degrees from the University of Kansas. He came to the United States in 1982. He is married to Marie-Claude Laguerre, a nurse, and has two grown children.

Contact staff writer Sarah Rohrs at srohrs@thnewsnet.com or (707) 553-6832.