DCCCD CHANCELLOR APPOINTS INTERIM PRESIDENT

Dr. Joe May, chancellor of the Dallas County Community College District, has appointed Dr. Preston Pulliams as interim president of Mountain View College, effective May 12, 2014, following the retirement of the college’s president, Felix Zamora, on April 30. Members of the DCCCD board of trustees approved the appointment during their regular monthly meeting on May 6.

Pulliams will serve as interim president for six months; after that time, his contract can be extended on a monthly basis until the national search for a new CEO is completed and the next president is appointed.

“I believe that appointing an individual for the position of interim president is important. That person must be able to guide Mountain View and ensure that the college moves forward, on schedule, to teach students and serve the community,” said May. “I believe that Dr. Pulliams is the right fit and that he can accomplish those tasks as we search nationally for Mountain View’s next president.”

Mays added, “Dr. Pulliams understands the world of community colleges and the CEO’s duties and qualifications for two-year institutions. As owner and president of Gold Hill Associates – one of the nation’s leading community college presidential search firms, he coordinates community college presidential searches throughout the United States and the search activities of four contract consultants.”

In response to his appointment, Pulliams said, “I am truly excited about this great professional opportunity to serve as the interim president of Mountain View College. I look forward to working closely with the Mountain View College faculty and staff members to assist and support their operations and planning during this time of transition. I am already impressed with the warm welcome that I have received from the staff and faculty members and their commitment for serving students.”

He also said, “I have worked very hard in each of my community college positions from counselor to president to always focus on serving students and strengthening the connections and partnerships between the community college and the community.”

Pulliams’ many years of experience leading two-year schools also includes his tenure as district president for the Portland Community College District in Portland, Ore. During his nine-year term in that position, Pulliams served as the district’s CEO and oversaw an annual general fund budget of more than $200 million. He has experience with bond campaigns, fundraising, enrollment management, contracts and grants, accreditation efforts, strategic planning, workforce development, governmental relations and diversity in the workplace, among many areas.