Ayala is selected as UCC’s new vice president
The process began when UCC President Blaine Nisson reviewed the job description for any updates that were needed and then posted the position nationally. Out of 15 respondents, four were chosen by the screening committee to be interviewed.
“The screening committee’s job is to review the qualifications to make sure the applicants meet what we are looking for,” said Beverly Brandt, vice president for administrative services. “We looked at 15 applicants at that point and four others after that. The screening committee decided who they wanted to interview, and four were interviewed.”
The nine-member screening committee included both faculty, administrators, and staff from Student Services, Administrative Services, Financial Aid, Engineering, Chemistry and Trade departments. “We tried to hit every area but mostly instruction,” said Brandt.
The screening committee’s job is to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates. “They don’t get to recommend a candidate, they don’t prioritize them, all they do is strength and weaknesses,” says Brandt.
The candidates are then interviewed by the instructional leadership team who and the executive cabinet also identifies their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, they’re interviewed by the president and a board member.
“It’s his decision [the president] who to hire. The president looks for the best fit for his leadership, because the vice presidents are his right hand, and so he picks the best fit for his leadership style and who he believes will be the best leader,” said Brandt.
“Dr. Ayala surfaced as one of the four finalists. He surfaced in terms of his leadership and in terms of his skills and background for the right fit for this campus at this time,” said Blaine.
The decision was announced on May 3 by Blaine, indicating that UCC’s new vice president of instruction is Dr. Javier Ayala. Nisson also thanked everyone involved in the screening process.
“I think he will do an outstanding job to serve the needs of UCC now and in the future,” said Nisson.
Ayala indicated that he was extremely excited about his new position. “I believe there’s so much potential that we can accomplish if we work together. I’m about collaboration and making things happen. Respect culture and the past, but that’s only going to be one piece to get us to the future. Put all the options on the table, think outside the box, bring different people to the table, and that’s going to be required to be the next UCC for the next 40 to 60 years.”
One of his long term goals include developing high quality instruction programs based on the needs of the community. “We exist because as a campus to serve the students need. We are here for the students. We all have a different hat that we wear.” said Ayala.
Ayala will take command of his new post on July 1 and is currently serving as Dean of Instructional Services, as well as serving as UCC’s accreditation officer who oversees distance education, developmental education, tutoring and the college’s curriculum and institutional effectiveness and assessment committees, to name only a few of his current activities.
Ayala indicated that one of the things that really frustrates him is when a student gets the run around. He indicated the ability to see himself in their shoes and will typically make some calls for them or walk around and show them what needs to be done.
“He is a confident experienced leader, and we feel very fortunate to have selected him,” said Blaine.
Ayala will begin his new job by continuing his work in setting up an articulation agreement with Southern Oregon University for a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science for most of the Associate’s degree programs at UCC, allowing the majority of associate degree credits to be transferred for a four year degree.
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