Robert Deegan was already into his first year of retirement when he got a call from Robert Garber of Community College Search Services asking him if he wantd to go back to work.
Deegan said yes and on Tuesday night the Southwestern College governing board appointed Deegan, 63, its interim president/superintendent.
Deegan will begin running the college’s day-to-day operations starting Monday, Aug. 15, while the college’s governing board extensively searches for a permanent leader to be in place early next year.
Deegan has experience running a community college. Before retiring he was the man in charge at Palomar College in San Marcos for the past decade. Deegan has 37 years of experience working in higher education.
“His local experience and commitment to student success made him a perfect fit for Southwestern College during this transition as we continue to look for a superintendent/president,” said SWC’s board President Nora Vargas at Tuesday’s board meeting.
Deegan replaces acting president/superintendent Tim Flood who guided the college during the summer months with the sudden resignation of former President/Superintendent Melinda Nish.
Flood had previously said he did not any have interest in the permanent or interim role. Flood will continue working in his regular capacity of vice president of business and financial affairs.
Using the services of Garber the college is searching for a permanent president/superintendent since it had “mutually agreed” to part ways with Nish who resigned June 30.
Nish said in a joint statement with the college that she left to “pursue a sabbatical for personal and other professional development opportunities.”
Deegan said he enjoys retirement but admits he was getting the itch to get back to work.
“I took a year off and made the commitment that I would do that and stay close to home in my community,” he said.
“And then I would look at possible opportunities in an interim role at different colleges, and then I was contacted about the position at Southwestern.
“I was open to assisting at the right opportunity; I don’t want to just go to any college. I want to go to a place where I can be of assistance and one that’s doing outstanding work like Southwestern College,” he said.
Deegan said SWC presented a great opportunity for him because the school has an outstanding reputation of serving its students and its South Bay communities.
Deegan is expected to man the helm for several months until a permanent president/superintendent is selected.
According to his contract, which was approved by the governing board on Tuesday, Deegan will make $123.19 per hour, up to and not to exceed a maximum of 960 hours for the term of the agreement. If he works the full 960 hours, his salary would be $118,262.40.
His contract kicks in on Aug. 15, ending on Feb. 17, 2017, unless earlier terminated or upon the completion of 960 hours of paid services.
If the college has not hired a permanent replacement for Nish by the February deadline they will continue operating under the leadership of an interim president, Vargas said.
Vargas said she anticipates the recruitment process to close in October. An advisory committee will be formed to assist with input from various stakeholders in the selection of the president.
In October the board will invite selected applicants for its first round of interviews on Nov. 18.
In December finalists are invited to a public forum. Board interviews take place in January with the appointment also occurring in January.
