District names new OCC president

The Coast Community College Board of Trustees has chosen Dennis Harkins as the new president of Orange Coast College, ending a seven-month nationwide search.

Harkins is the director of government relations at Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta, the third largest college in Georgia.

Previously, he spent 10 years as provost of the school’s Clarkston campus and as a member of the college’s executive team. He also was vice president and dean of education at the Art Institute of Atlanta.

Coast board President Jerry Patterson said in a release that Harkins’ expertise in a multi-college district made him a good fit for the Costa Mesa-based district.

“I am confident that Dennis will bring a wealth of nationally recognized leadership skills and experience to Orange Coast College,” said District Chancellor Ding-Jo Currie. “I am thankful that I will have a proven leader to help me lead the district and Orange Coast College through the fiscal storm we continue to face in the wake of the state’s budget woes.”

Harkins studied and taught photography, and also studied international affairs and education, with a focus on human resource development.

Interim President Denise Whittaker’s last day was Friday.

Harkins will start at OCC on Jan. 1. His first day on campus will be Jan. 4. He and his wife, Kim, will relocate to the area with their two children.

“Orange Coast College is nationally known for excellent programs, and I am excited to be a part of such an institution. I am privileged to have been selected to lead this amazing institution and look forward to working with Dr. Currie and the OCC faculty, staff, managers and students,” Harkins said.