River Cities Business Journal: Education

Today's News-Herald

BULLHEAD CITY - Over objections from one member about the lack of accountability in the selection process, and questions about contract length from another, the Mohave Community College Governing Board voted March 1 to promote Dr. Michael Kearns to the position of chancellor.

The board voted 3-2 with Lynda French and John Neal in opposition. French said she believes the process of the promotion may violate the state's open meeting laws.

“I have concerns about (current Chancellor Tom) Henry basically appointing his successor and whether that conforms to our human resources policy. The appointment of administrator is solely our duty,” French said.

French also questioned why the top three positions in the college's administration were all being filled by white men, that the campus presidents were all men and only one - Lake Havasu City campus president Nicholas Sanchez - a minority. She questioned whether the selections would meet federal Equal Employment Opportunity standards.

Kingman campus president Michael Ford said he and the other presidents were “comfortable with the transition plan.”

Neal said he didn't have a problem with Kearns; rather it was the five-year contract that bothered him. “It doesn't reflect on the team before us, I just don't think we should extend out that far.”

Neal sought a three-year contract but his motion failed because of a lack of a second.

Board member Kathy Hodel said she favored Kearns for the top spot, having had the chance to speak with him during her election campaign last year.

“The corporate rule is to promote from within, that builds morale. I've seen Dr. Kearns climb the ladder and have confidence in his selection,” Hodel said.

Board member Victor Wakimoto also supported the promotion, saying, “We have an institution that is moving forward and have to keep the momentum.”

Kearns was the recommended choice by Henry, who was allowed to name a successor under the terms of his contract.

“The board got some top people today,” Henry said after the vote.

Only one member of the public, Kingman resident Karen Lynn, spoke on the matter, asking why the top job at the college was being handed to a dentist.

“It's very odd and inappropriate for an outgoing executive to name his successor,” said Lynn. “The board should have the opportunity to find the best-qualified candidate.”

Kearns is a doctor of dental surgery and currently serves as vice chancellor for instruction for MCC. He will assume the chancellor position, at a starting salary of $185,000 per year in November, with the resignation of Henry Oct. 31.

“We will stay the course and fulfill the mission of this college,” Kearns said.

In addition to Kearns, the single motion acted on by the board also hired Charles D. Spotts to fill the vacancy created by Kearns' promotion and H. Lynn Cundiff as vice chancellor for administration.

Cundiff will fill the vacancy created by William Lovejoy, who also announced plans to resign effective Oct. 31.