Chaffey College Presidential Search

Following the announced retirement of long-term successful president, Dr. Henry Shannon, the Governing Board of Chaffey College has begun a national search for the College’s next Superintendent/President.  The Board is seeking a collaborative, experienced and visionary educational leader and administrator who understands and is passionate about the community college mission.

The Superintendent/President will have the opportunity to build on the College’s reputation for excellence in student success and service to the communities it serves.

The Target Date for receipt of applications is February 5, 2027. The start date for the new Superintendent/President will be July 1, 2027, or as negotiated.

The search is being conducted by the Association of Community College Trustees. If you have questions please contact our search consultant, Dr. Pamila Fisher, at 406.570.0516 or pamilajfisher@gmail.com. 

 

 

About the Community

Chaffey College is located in Southern California and sits in the western Inland Empire of San Bernardino County, the largest county in the United States by area. The district serves roughly 750,000 residents across the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana, Montclair, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland.

Chaffey’s main campus is located in Rancho Cucamonga, in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Chaffey is a civic and cultural anchor. Its campuses regularly host events open to the community, including the annual Black and Brown Minds & Mattering Conference, theatre and musical performances, athletics games, and cultural celebrations.

The surrounding cities offer a range of affordable housing, excellent schools, and local culture, including the Toyota Arena in Ontario and the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center in Rancho Cucamonga. The region is about 40 miles from Los Angeles, with convenient access to Ontario International Airport, as well as mountain, beach, and desert resorts. Chaffey College is also located near major employment and cultural centers across Southern California, making it an attractive place to learn, live, and thrive.

 

About the College

For more than 140 years, Chaffey College has provided affordable, quality higher education, workforce training, and cultural opportunity to the residents of the western Inland Empire. Since its founders George and William Chaffey laid the cornerstone in Ontario on March 17, 1883, the college has grown from a small agricultural school into one of the oldest and largest community colleges in California. Chaffey moved to its main Rancho Cucamonga campus location in 1960 and has since expanded with campuses in Fontana (1996) and Chino (2008). Additionally, Chaffey College opened the InTech Center (2016) in Fontana to provide the region with premier industrial and technical training.

Today, Chaffey serves more than 30,000 students, many who are first-generation, working adults, parents, dual-enrollment high schoolers, and career-changers. They come to Chaffey for transfer, career and technical education, and workforce training that opens doors to economic and social mobility. A federally-designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, Chaffey has a diverse student body that mirrors the diversity of Southern California.

Chaffey College is a comprehensive two-year college that grants associate degrees and certificates to prepare students for academic advancement and professional careers. Students can pursue 28 transferrable degrees, as well as certificates, both in-person and online. The college works with four school districts: Chaffey Joint Union High School District, Chino Valley Unified, Fontana Unified, and Upland Unified. These are partnerships that shape the pathway from high school to college and into the regional workforce.

In 2026 Chaffey College was ranked the #1 community college in the Inland Empire by Intelligent.com.

In 2025 and 2026, Chaffey College was named a Pathway Champion for advancing equitable student success and strengthening California’s transfer pathway.

In 2021, Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $25 million to Chaffey College as an unrestricted gift to support equity and educational access for underserved students.

Mission

Chaffey College improves lives and our communities through education with a steadfast commitment to equity and innovation to empower our diverse students who learn and thrive through excellent career, transfer, and workforce education programs that advance economic and social mobility for all.

Vision

Improving lives through education.

 

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate degree from a regionally accredited institution by the application closing date
• Significant senior-level executive experience in a community college
• Demonstrated understanding of the teaching and learning process
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff

 

Opportunities and Challenges

The next Superintendent/President of Chaffey College will be expected to build upon the College’s proud traditions, accomplishments, and commitment to excellence while embracing innovation, assessing practices, and positioning the institution for continued success.

In addition to the broad responsibilities inherent in leading and managing an institution the size of Chaffey College, the new Superintendent/President must demonstrate the vision, leadership, and ability to effectively address the following timely challenges and opportunities:

1. Foster excellence and innovation in instruction, student services and services that result in student success for all, close student achievement gaps, strengthen educational outcomes, and prepare students for meaningful employment and living wage careers.

2. Evaluate and enhance the quality and effectiveness of on-line and in-person instruction, strive for the appropriate balance, and ensure instructional delivery methods meet the evolving needs of current and future students.

3. Provide leadership in evaluating and integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, balancing opportunities for innovation with ethical considerations, academic integrity, and institutional effectiveness.

4. Ensure welcoming, engaging, accessible, and safe learning and work environments that foster student involvement and campus pride.

5. Encourage a positive working environment grounded in mutual respect, meaningful participatory governance, transparent communication, and shared accountability.

6. Use strong fiscal acumen to manage existing resources well and to acquire alternative revenue sources to position the College for long-term financial stability amid economic uncertainty.

7. Continuously assess and address evolving facilities and infrastructure needs across all District locations ensuring safe, modern, sustainable, and accessible environments.

8. Build on existing relationships and cultivate new partnerships throughout the many communities the College serves to expand student opportunities and respond to regional workforce and economic development needs of the region.

9. Establish a strong, collaborative relationship with the Governing Board through open communication, mutual trust, sound governance practices, and a shared commitment to the College’s mission.

10. Navigate changing federal mandates and guidelines impacting local funding, policies, and practices while advocating for the College at the local, state, and national levels.

 

Ideal Characteristics

 

Mission-Focused

 

• • Champions the mission of a comprehensive community college
  • Prioritizes student success and achievement
  • Understands the multiple barriers to student success
  • Advances strategies to close the achievement gap
  • Recruits and retains students
  • Advocates effectively for the College
  • Anticipates and responds to community needs

 

Forward -Thinker

 

• • Demonstrates vision and strategic thinking
  • Inspires innovation and continuous improvement
  • Plans for future facilities that enhance learning
  • Ensures fiscal stability and long-term sustainability
  • Builds meaningful and lasting community partnerships
  • Supports thoughtful change

 

Team Builder

 

• • Practices participatory governance
  • Fosters an inclusive culture of trust, respect, and belonging
  • Values diversity
  • Maintains a visible and engaged campus presence
  • Communicates openly, consistently, and transparently
  • Builds consensus and empowers others
  • Addresses conflict constructively and decisively

 

Personal Attributes

 

• • Ethical and principled
  • Accountable and resilient
  • Compassionate and empathetic
  • Approachable and accessible
  • Attentive listener
  • Collaborative and inclusive
  • Visible and engaged
  • Energetic and Enthusiastic

 

How to Apply

This is a confidential search process. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than February 5, 2027. The position will remain open until filled.

To apply and upload your documents visit the ACCT Search webpage.

Candidates should prepare the following information and materials when completing the application:

1. A letter of application (not to exceed 5 pages) that succinctly addresses the opportunities and challenges identified in the Position Profile and how the candidate’s experience and professional qualifications demonstrate preparation to serve as the Superintendent/President of Chaffey Community College District.
2. A current resume including an email address and cellular telephone number.
3. A list of eight references: for example, two to three supervisors, two to three direct reports, and two to three faculty and/or staff members from current and former institutions.

For more information, please contact search consultant, Dr. Pamila Fisher, at 406.570.0516 or pamilajfisher@gmail.com.