UKIAH — On Wednesday, the Board of Trustees of the Mendocino-Lake Community College District officially approved a contract for Roe Darnell to become interim superintendent/president.
Darnell replaces long-term Superintendent/President Kathy Lehner, who is leaving to take over the leadership of the College of the Redwoods in Eureka. Lehner was the sixth president at the college.
Before approving Darnell, the Board recognized Lehner”s accomplishments during her six years as superintendent/president with a resolution highlighting her accomplishments. The resolution mentions, among other achievements, her leadership in passing Measure W, which allows the college to build permanent facilities in Lakeport and Willits as well as a library and learning center on the Ukiah Campus; her outreach to the community and community relations, her talent at “developing a unified team as well as building trust” and her focus on student success during difficult budget times.
Lehner was also praised for making the college a statewide leader in the accreditation process and positioning the institution as well-respected at the state level.
Darnell earned an Ed.D. from the University of La Verne.
During its meeting on Wednesday, the Board also approved a process for hiring a permanent superintendent/president.
