TVCC chief resigns
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 10:39 AM PDT
ONTARIO — Another era has ended at Treasure Valley Community College.
The latest epoch concluded Tuesday night with the resignation of college president Dr. Jim Sorensen.
The move is effective today after the TVCC board accepted his letter of resignation Tuesday night.
Sorensen, in his letter of resignation — read aloud during Tuesday’s board meeting, cited several accomplishments during his administration but also cited differences with the board in the future vision for the college.
He wrote, “a college presidency is a position from which one can help others and the institution change for the better. I have worked to do this and look back proudly on my accomplishments at Treasure Valley Community College. Unfortunately, I have come to realize that my vision for TVCC may no longer be consistent with the direction the Board of Education has for the College.”
He would work with the college officials and staff to make the transition as smooth as possible, he said.
Sorensen said while his resignation is immediate, it is pending approval of final employment agreement, which includes continuation of his contract, his salary and some benefits through June 30, 2010. That final employment agreement was approved by the board.
“Since being hired as president in 2002, I believe I have led the college in becoming a stronger and more accountable institution,” Sorensen said in his letter. “I am especially proud of the new residence halls, the partnership with the military on the new Ontario Readiness Center and my leadership and vision establishing the Caldwell Center, which is now a thriving educational center for hundreds of additional students.
“I believe deeply in Treasure Valley Community College’s commitment to education and to improving the lives of citizens in our region. I wish you and the TVCC family only the best in the future.”
Outgoing board chairman John Forsyth said he will miss Sorensen.
“I sincerely enjoyed working with Dr. Sorensen,” Forsyth said during the meeting. “We worked together very well.”
“On behalf of the Board of Education of Treasure Valley Community College, I would like to commend Jim Sorensen for the leadership he has provided for TVCC over the past nine years,” Forsyth said, in a statement.
Speaking on behalf of the faculty, Dennis Gill, Treasure Valley Faculty Association president, said, “I want the board to know how much the faculty will miss Dr. Sorensen. He has brought us a long way. He has done great things.”
Sorensen came to TVCC in 2000 as vice president for college operations and chief instructional officer, having served many years at community colleges in Washington.
He replaced Dr. Bert Glandon as president two years later.
During his tenure in Ontario, Sorensen led the college in changing athletic associations, expanded the college’s sports programs from four to 17 and increased student scholarship and waiver initiatives to bring more students to campus.
In other action regarding the resignation Tuesday, the board appointed Randy Griffin, dean of administration, as acting president. Griffin, who has been with the college more than 25 years, served as co-president in 1992, after former President Glen Mayle resigned, and until Glandon was hired in 1993.
