Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part series of interviews with COD leaders.
Joel Kinnamon Takes on Issue of Chaos and More at COD in Written Q&A
PALM DESERT — With Joel Kinnamon leading College of the Desert student full-time enrollment increased by 50%, ranking College of the Desert as high as No. 1 out of the 116 California community colleges in the state earning the characterization “one of the fastest growing colleges in the State.” The college also celebrated record-breaking graduation rates for the sixth year in a row while transfers to the UC and CSU systems have continued to grow exponentially.
Since his retirement in March 2021, the College has been in a constant state of turmoil. Uken Report (UR) reached out to Kinnamon to see if he could provide any insight.
UR: Since you left COD as president, the College, one of the largest employers in the Coachella Valley, has been in a constant state of chaos, to use Trustee Ron Oden’s description, and its reputation tarnished, as you acknowledged during your 2022 campaign. Why is that?
Joel Kinnamon: During that time, outlets like The Uken Report and others extensively covered the challenges facing the district. As a community, we all adapted to the impacts of COVID-19, adjusting our lifestyles to meet unprecedented circumstances. At the same time, the college faced additional external political pressures that sought to exert influence, overshadowing the achievements of a highly successful and nationally recognized institution.
Through it all, the faculty, staff, community members, and other supporters of College of the Desert remained steadfast in their commitment to the college’s mission. The institution has earned both state and national recognition for providing access to quality education and serving students effectively.
Transitions can sometimes lead to moments of chaos, and much of that has been documented by reporters like you. Public education functions at its best when it adheres to the rigorous standards set by accrediting agencies and when academic professionals are supported in their work.
Despite external challenges, College of the Desert will continue delivering exemplary programs and opportunities for students. However, it is crucial to ensure that discussions remain focused on the institution’s contributions to the community rather than being dominated by politics, power, or financial concerns. By doing so, we can uphold the integrity and excellence of public education and keep students at the center of our efforts.
UR: The College can’t seem to retain its president, and some point to you as one of the reasons. Whether right or wrong, you were viewed as the ringleader of the group. You called a special meeting of the Board of Trustees before the holiday break and voted to place Interim Superintendent/President Laura Hope on administrative leave, You had supported her hire and things seemed to be going well – from the outside looking in. What went so terribly wrong – and when? Help the public understand.
Joel Kinnamon: College of the Desert is one of the few state colleges in California with one of the lowest turnover rates for Superintendent/Presidents. The college has a strong tradition of hiring leaders who serve significantly longer terms than at most colleges in the state. However, it is important to acknowledge that the former board chair determined that the prior presidential search process was compromised and subsequently relaunched the search in consultation with AGB Search Services.
As one trustee, I remain fully committed to a transparent, process-driven recruitment effort. I encourage all qualified applicants who are dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams to consider applying to College of the Desert. The college has long benefited from the support of the Coachella Valley community and will undoubtedly continue to serve as a premier educational institution.
I am confident that the Desert Community College District Board of Trustees will honor their Oath of Office by focusing on their policy-making and fiduciary responsibilities. I sincerely believe that my fellow trustees are dedicated to working together to strengthen our collective role as stewards of the college.
To that end, this year will include numerous training opportunities designed to enhance the effectiveness of our governance. Notably, from January 24th to 26th, trustees will participate in the Effective Trusteeship Workshop offered by the California Community College League. This comprehensive program is recognized as one of the premier training opportunities for boards, board chairs, and trustees, focusing on their roles, relationships, and responsibilities.
For more information on the workshop, visit: Effective Trusteeship Workshop – January 24–26, 2025.
UR: Do you try to micromanage or the president as a Trustee or interfere with the president’s decisions?
Joel Kinnamon: No, of course not. There is a specific accreditation standard that clearly defines the role of a Trustee. Having served on at least a dozen accreditation teams as a member or chair, I deeply adhere to and uphold this standard—Standard IV—which I believe is of utmost importance for any college striving for excellence.
Standard IV outlines many aspects of the relationship between the Board and its obligations, emphasizing the critical balance necessary for effective governance. As Trustees, we must remain mindful of our role as a policy-making body. The Board, as a collective entity, is responsible for only one employee: the President/Superintendent.
When the President/Superintendent seeks advice or clarification, open and honest communication is essential to fostering a collaborative and productive relationship. This transparency helps ensure that the institution adheres to its mission while maintaining the integrity required by accreditation standards.
For those interested in learning more about the standards, the full text of Standard IV and other accreditation guidelines is available through the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC): ACCJC Accreditation Standards.
UR: You set the bar extremely high during your tenure. Will anyone ever meet your expectations?
Joel Kinnamon: Thank you for the kind words. I want to accept this as a compliment, but I must emphasize that it is always about the team around you. Desert Community College District is fortunate to have so many exemplary leaders dedicated to the college’s mission and vision. Together, they will undoubtedly take the district to even greater heights.
College of the Desert is uniquely positioned for continued success, and I believe we should all prepare to celebrate its bright future. The college’s strong reputation and potential will undoubtedly attract the best Superintendent/Presidential candidates in the country, ensuring that its legacy of excellence continues.
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges recently highlighted COD’s strong performance, but a site visit last fall from the accreditation body regarding the board wasn’t as generous. It recommended among other things that the board delegate full responsibility and authority to the superintendent/president to implement and administer policies without board interference.
I hold the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) in the highest regard. The accreditation process relies on voluntary peer review teams who carefully evaluate self-study reports provided by the colleges they visit. These teams review evidence presented by the college and its local community, including monitoring board meetings and reviewing local media. It’s important to note that these reviews are based on the practices of the former Board of Trustees, not the current board.
College of the Desert has a strong track record of typically receiving the maximum accreditation term. However, if challenges arise, the commission may make recommendations to address specific areas for improvement. These recommendations often involve follow-up visits, usually within 12 to 18 months, to evaluate the progress made by the college.
In my opinion, colleges that fully embrace the process of addressing these recommendations become stronger institutions. It’s an opportunity for continued improvement, ensuring that the college is always striving to provide the best possible experience for students and the community it serves.
UR: The draft also detailed its findings and evidence, citing ongoing disagreements among the trustees. Why is there so much dissension among board members?
Joel Kinnamon: As one Trustee, I believe the core of this question has been addressed in some of my previous responses. However, I would like to emphasize that the board is comprised of five elected trustees and one student trustee. It is important that the board, as a collective body, allows its members the opportunity to professionally express their positions on board items and policies.
Once a vote is finalized, board members are expected to come together and support the board’s collective decision. Unfortunately, this expectation was not always upheld in the past by one board member who is no longer serving following the November election. Moving forward, I am optimistic that the current board will work collaboratively and professionally to fulfill its responsibilities and serve the best interests of the college and the community.
UR: You are now chair of the Board of Trustees? How are you going to unify the board and stop the circuslike atmosphere?
Joel Kinnamon: I am committed to being forthcoming within the parameters of my role as one voice on the board, while listening to and respecting my colleagues. It is important to emphasize that we are a single, unified district, and every trustee—regardless of the Trustee Area where they were elected—is responsible for making decisions that benefit the entire district.
Our focus must remain on making decisions that are transparent, data-driven, non-politicized, and, above all, in the best interests of our students and communities. The path to unity begins with a shared commitment to our mission and a willingness to better understand one another.
I believe that board trainings and retreats will play a critical role in fostering collaboration and alignment, provided that all participants approach these opportunities in good faith. Together, we can strengthen our governance and ensure the success of College of the Desert.
UR: Trustee Ron Oden did not support you for chair of the board and did not support placing President Hope on administrative leave. Did that sting? He is highly respected in the community. Whatever information you have on Hope, he wasn’t buying it. How do you plan to regain his support?
Joel Kinnamon: First, let me say that I wholeheartedly concur—Ron Oden is a highly respected trailblazer, both in my view and in the eyes of the residents of the Coachella Valley. I hold great respect for him, and our friendship remains strong, as we regularly interact.
Trustee Oden, like myself, brings his own perspectives, views, and information to the table, which may at times differ from mine. Personally, I have been in contact with Trustee Oden since the meeting in question, but our conversations have not involved the votes. We have focused on preparing the agenda for our upcoming board meeting. We also exchanged holiday greetings and wished each other a Happy New Year.
I consider Trustee Oden a valued colleague and friend, and I respect the reality that we may not always agree on every matter. That said, there’s no sting on my end! I was proud to wholeheartedly support him as vice chair of the Board of Trustees, and I remain confident in his leadership and dedication to our shared mission.
UR: Is there anything you would like to add?
Joel Kinnamon: Happy New Year! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone in our community for your unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of our students and for celebrating our shared successes. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more vibrant community college, and I look forward to all that we will achieve in the year ahead.
Image Sources
- Joel Kinnamon: Joel Kinnamon
