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DR. CORINA GARDEA NAMED PRESIDENT OF PHOENIX COLLEGE –
Veteran educator assumes post on November 26, 2001

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October 9, 2001 – Dr. Corina Gardea values educational excellence and as President of Phoenix College she promises to set the standards high to ensure students are challenged. Gardea, currently the Executive Director of Community and Educational Partnerships, for the Dallas County Community College District, was recommended to become the next Phoenix College President by Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Fred Gaskin. The Governing Board approved Dr. Gardea’s appointment at its public meeting on the evening of October 9, 2001.

“Dr. Gardea is passionate about students and student success,” said Dr. Gaskin. “She has shown leadership in team building and collaborative decision making during her fifteen years in the Dallas Community College system and has a proven track record in establishing diverse community and business partnerships.”

Fifty-eight individuals applied for the presidency. Dr. Gardea emerged as the top candidate following an extensive process that included interviews, public forums and conversations with employees, students and community groups.

“I am honored to join Phoenix College and am pleased to become a member of an organization that provides exemplary educational opportunities,” said Dr. Gardea.

Gardea has 22 years of experience in community colleges, from faculty member and curriculum developer to administrative and executive level posts.

Morris F. Johnson, III has been serving as Interim President since the resignation of Dr. Marie Pepicello in February who was named President/Superintendent at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Phoenix College is Arizona’s original community college, celebrating eighty years of commitment to the community. Excellence in education has always been the mission of the college. Phoenix College serves more than 24,000 students a year, reflecting the diverse, multicultural central city community in which it sits. The campus is located at 1202 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85013.

The Maricopa County Community College District, is one of the largest community college districts in the nation. It includes 10 colleges – Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes. For more information: 480-731-8000 or www.maricopa.edu

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March 13, 2002