Presidential Search at College of the Desert is on Schedule
PALM DESERT — The presidential search at College of the Desert is on track, according to a timeline Trustees agreed to in January, Nicholas Robles, interim public information officer said.
“We remain on target to appoint a permanent president during the May or June Board of Trustees meeting,” Robles said.
During the week of April 7, reference and background checks are being conducted.
Following that, a news release will be issued announcing the finalists; exact date still TBA. There are a total of ive finalists, he said.
“We are planning to hold a public forum with the finalists around the week of April 28; specific details are still being finalized,” Robles said.
A presidential search is underway after Laura Hope, who had served as interim superintendent/president of College of the Desert since July 2023, was placed on administrative leave with pay effective immediately in December. Trustee Joel Kinnamon, chair of the board of trustees, announced after a nearly 2 1/2-hour closed session.
Val Martinez Garcia, vice president of student services, was named acting superintendent. Oden dissented.
Martinez Garcia has not said whether he applied for the permanent job.
