Glendale College President Dawn Lindsay announced her resignation on Tuesday and has accepted a new position in Maryland.
“I have accepted the position at Anne Arundel Community College,” said Lindsay, in a letter to the campus. “In the interim, I will be working with the Board [of Trustees] to determine a transition plan.”
The announcement came shortly after Lindsay had made a public statement to the campus on Thursday that she was a finalist for the position.
Lindsay also said she had strong family ties to the east coast.
“I need to share this is not about leaving Glendale, as I enjoy the college and everyone I work with,” said Lindsay. “This decision is clearly personal as I realize I am at a stage of my life where I need to reflect on the decisions that are in the best interest of my family.”
“We’re going to miss her terribly, but we’re glad that she’s happy with her new environment and going back east,” said Mary Mirch, vice president of instructional services. “That was one of the things she had indicated was a priority for her.”
Anita Gabrielian, board of trustees president, released a statement on Tuesday, wishing Lindsay well for her efforts and time in the college, as well as the board’s plan to find a replacement, which will be discussed at the next scheduled meeting on April 16.
“At the next board meeting, we’ll have to come up with a plan for a transition to a new superintendent/president,” said Ron Nakasone, vice president of administrative services.
Nakasone said that the board will have to discuss whether or not the college will hire an interim president, and where to look for candidates.
“There are a lot of issues that we’re going to discuss with the board,” said Nakasone. “A lot of things are up in the air right now.”
Lindsay was appointed interim president on May 19, 2009, after former president Audre Levy resigned.
Vahe Peroomian, then-president of the board, said that Lindsay was the best choice because of her ability to unite the campus.
“We have a lot of confidence in [Lindsay],” said Peroomian.
Lindsay was appointed president one year later and has served as the college’s superintendent for two years.
Lindsay will begin her new position on Aug. 1, becoming the college’s sixth president in its 50-year history.
Lindsay will be replacing Martha Smith, who is retiring after serving for 18 years.
Meanwhile, Glendale remains optimistic about finding a suitable replacement.
“We will continue to be the excellent institution we’ve always been,” said Mirch.
