OCC fills interim VP job

COSTA MESA — Orange Coast College has named an education consultant and former Northern California community college administrator as its interim vice president of instruction.

Ron Johnson will take over the role until a permanent replacement can be found. Officials expect to find a permanent candidate by the end of the spring semester.

"Dr. Johnson was selected from an extremely competitive pool of candidates," said OCC President Dennis Harkins. "He is seen as being a good fit for the college and the college's focus on student success, enrollment management and accreditation.

"Dr. Johnson has an extensive experience at community colleges both in and outside of California. We are very fortunate to have a leader of his caliber."

The Coast Community College District Board of Trustees approved Johnson for the position at its Dec. 14 meeting.

Johnson, the former vice president for academic affairs at the College of the Sequoias, will take over the position Jan. 3.

He has served as dean of performing arts, communications and education for seven years at Shasta College, and director of strategic planning at Lane Community College in Eugene, Ore.

Johnson also served as the orchestra manager for the San Diego Symphony and as executive director of the Eugene Symphony Assn. for four years.

He has a doctorate in education from Oregon State University, and master's and bachelor's degrees in music from West Virginia University.

Johnson replaces Melinda Nish, who will serve a president/superintendent of Southwestern College in Chula Vista.

britney.barnes@latimes.com

Twitter: @britneyjbarnes