The board of trustees and the chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) appointed Dr. Victoria P. Morrow as Skyline’s seventh president on Oct. 18. Morrow is expected to begin her new job on Dec. 1, replacing Shirley Kelly as the school’s interim president.

“We are delighted that Dr. Morrow will be joining our District,” said President of the board of trustees Karen Schwarz, in a press release. “The board believes she has a unique combination of experience and expertise that will be a good fit for Skyline College and that will help the college grow and continue to adapt its programs and services to meet the needs of the community.”

The hiring comes shortly after the three candidates for the position – Anita Martinez, Steven Glick and Morrow – hosted open forums on why they wanted to be Skyline’s president. Morrow, hosted her forum on Oct. 13 and was the last candidate to do so before the quick turn-around time on the decision.

According to a press release, Morrow thinks Skyline is a, “terrific college that clearly puts students first, and I will be proud to be a part of it.  I look forward to joining my new colleagues, the students and members of Skyline’s surrounding community to further advance the high quality teaching and learning that the college provides.”

In the past six years, Morrow has served as the vice chancellor of educational services and economic development as well as the executive vice chancellor in the State Chancellor’s Office in Sacramento. Before then, she worked at Chabot College, from 1974 to 1998, serving various roles ranging from a sociology instructor to vice president of academic services. Of those involved in the hiring process, there was not a one who felt that Morrow was not completely qualified for the job.

“I think it’s great,” said Nick Kapp, co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee about Morrow’s hiring. “All three would have been great, but in different ways. Anita would have had a local flavor and a local control, which would have been great. Glick had his business connections, which would have been great. Morrow comes from the State Chancellor’s Office, which could have wonderful opportunities in terms of the number of grant opportunities. It could allow the chancellor and the board to get closer with the state.”

Rosemary Ybarra-Garcia, also co-chair of the committee, found that the search process was very fair, thorough and inclusive.

“We had some very qualified applicants,” she said. “The three finalists were extremely well-prepared and had lots of experience.”

“I felt I was in a place to offer to Skyline myself as a potential president,” candidate Anita Martinez said in regards to the hiring of Morrow. “Everyone is looking forward to welcoming Dr. Morrow to the college and working with her.”

According to Kapp, though the committee was encouraged to work quickly, the board and the chancellor “wanted the job done right”.

Chancellor Ron Galatolo commended the committee on their nationwide search that brought many qualified candidates to the college, and for their focused work and preparation.

“I’m delighted with the outcome and look forward to working with Dr. Morrow on a number of strategic initiatives that Skyline is currently pursuing,” he said.

“I think she [Morrow] is a good fit for the college,” Kapp said. “She has a good sense of humor and she believes in what the college believes – that the students come first. She really took that to heart. When she thinks about buildings, she thinks about what’s best for the students. I’m really impressed.”