U.S. Army veteran has over a decade of experience as a community college president.
Access this Press Release in a different format: [PDF] [DOC]
After a nationwide search for a new chancellor who will work with the Ventura County Community College District board of trustees to ensure its approximately 31,000 students and nearly 1,900 employees are successful, the board will be placing an item on the agenda for its next regular meeting on June 14 to approve an employment agreement with Dr. Rick MacLennan to be the incoming chancellor beginning on July 1, 2022.
“Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College each have excellent reputations in the community for their strong academic programs and services. The Chancellor Search Committee was vigilant in their pursuit of a candidate who would continue to build our District’s foundation of excellence,” said Board Chair Dianne McKay.
“I am excited and deeply honored to be selected as the next chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District,” said MacLennan. “It is a privilege to become a part of VCCCD's long and rich history of serving its diverse communities as a beacon of hope and opportunity for better lives and livelihoods. I look forward to working in partnership with the board of trustees, faculty and staff, students, and community stakeholders in pursuit of our mission and values.”
A Southern California native, MacLennan’s path to higher education began as an adult learner after serving in the U.S. Army. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and master’s degree from Oregon State University. He pursued a doctorate of education in educational innovation and leadership from Wilmington College (now University), New Castle, Delaware.
MacLennan has more than 30 years of experience in educational leadership. He was president of North Idaho College in Coeur D’Alene for five years. Prior to that, he spent six years as president of Garrett College in McHenry, Maryland.
In 2018, North Idaho College was honored as the Entrepreneurial College of the Year by the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE). The recognition acknowledged MacLennan's focus on entrepreneurship and innovation and the creation of the NIC Venture Center — a collection of programs and services co-located in one facility to teach, develop and support individuals and companies at any stage of their entrepreneurial learning and development journey.
VCCCD retained the executive management firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC to lead the nationwide search for the selection and appointment of VCCCD’s new chancellor. Greenwood/Asher has extensive experience with executive search, consulting and training in PreK-12 and higher education, both nationally and internationally.