Kinnamon Named New COD President

The Desert Community College District selected Dr. Joel Kinnamon to succeed Jerry Patton as Superintendent/President of College of the Desert effective July 9, 2012. 

District Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Bonnie Stefan, made the announcement at today’s regularly scheduled board meeting. “We are excited about welcoming Dr. Joel Kinnamon as the new president at College of the Desert,” said Dr. Stefan. “He brings valuable experience and knowledge to our campus and community.” 

“It is an honor to be selected by the Board to lead College of the Desert, a leader in higher education in the region and the state,” stated Dr. Kinnamon. “I look forward to working with the Board, faculty, staff and community to build upon the good work that has already been done and to continue COD’s record of student success and community partnerships.” 

Kinnamon is the seventh president of College of the Desert. 

Kinnamon was Chancellor of Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, which operates Chabot College in Hayward and Las Positas College in Livermore. The two colleges together serve more than 25,000 students in the San Francisco East Bay Area.

 “I’m proud of the selection committee’s dedication and commitment to the entire process that has resulted in the selection of the new Superintendent/ President,” stated Michael O’Neill, selection committee chair and Board of Trustees member. “The Superintendent/President search and selection process was an inclusive one comprised of students, administrators, faculty, staff and community members, who worked tirelessly to find the best leader for COD.”  

COD President Jerry Patton told the Board last Fall as of June 30, 2012. An extensive national search began in December.