Dr. Karin Hilgersom will serve as interim president of Central Arizona College beginning Monday, July 13, the college's Governing Board announced July 7. She will lead the college on a temporary basis while the board finishes its search for a permanent president.

CAC is Pinal County's only community college, serving about 5,700 students across its campuses — including the San Tan Campus in San Tan Valley — along with online courses and dual enrollment programs. Whoever leads the college shapes the classes, job training and transfer programs available to students across the San Tan Valley area.

Why the College Needs an Interim Leader

Hilgersom steps in as President and CEO Jacquelyn Elliott retires July 9, ending a tenure of nearly a decade. The Governing Board accepted Elliott's retirement notice in February at a meeting held at the San Tan Valley Campus. Her departure came as the board was reviewing complaints filed last fall by three senior administrators alleging harassment and a hostile work environment. The board has not publicly commented on the review or on whether it played a role in the retirement decision.

The board voted at a June 23 special meeting to offer Hilgersom the interim position and approved an annualized salary of $250,000. She will serve as an independent contractor until the college hires its next regular president.

Hilgersom's Background

Hilgersom brings 17 years of experience as a college president and vice president for instruction. She most recently completed a 10-year tenure as president of Truckee Meadows Community College in Nevada. Before moving into administration, she spent 16 years as a full-time communication studies faculty member and department chair at Spokane Community College. She holds a Ph.D. in educational policy and management from the University of Oregon.

What Happens Next: Residents Can Meet the Finalists

The search for a permanent president is nearly finished, and San Tan Valley area residents have a chance to size up the candidates in person. Three finalists will hold public forums at CAC's Signal Peak Campus in Coolidge, in Rooms I400-I401, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

• July 13: Clint Ewell, chief operating officer of Yavapai College
• July 14: Lisa Rhine, president and chief executive officer of Yavapai College
• July 15: Jess Kelly, executive director of online teaching and learning and chief academic officer of Lone Star College-Online

The finalists will also meet with students, faculty and staff during their campus visits, and the board will consider feedback from those groups before making its decision. Under the college's proposed timeline, the board expects to announce its choice by the end of July, with the new president tentatively starting Sept. 1.