New chancellor hired

   After a months-long nationwide search for a new district chancellor, the board of trustees approved the hiring of a career education administrator from Stockton Calif.
   Raul Rodriguez, who ran San Joaquin’s community college district and served as president of San Joaquin Delta College, replaces Eddie Hernandez, who retired after 13 years.    
   “We were looking for a candidate with a proven track record as an instructional leader,” said Board President Larry Labrado. “In addition, we hoped to find an experienced chancellor with demonstrated skill in partnership development, [and] the college accreditation process,” among others.     
   In hiring Rodriguez, trustees took into account his accomplishments, as the district confronts falling enrollment numbers and crowded classrooms amid deep budget cuts.
   As superintendent, Rodriguez increased San Joaquin’s online course offerings, increased enrollment, and developed programs that increased the college district’s math and science majors’ transfer rates, trustees said.    
   “His professional experience demonstrates that he has the knowledge and skills to lead a district of our size and complexity,” Labrado said.    
   The Rancho Santiago Community College District operates two colleges, Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College that serves about 30,000 students from eight cities around Orange County.    
   Two years ago, Rodriguez would have been hired as Riverside College Community District’s new chancellor. RCC’s academic senate unanimously endorsed Rodriguez, citing his experience with community colleges. Rodriguez however withdrew his candidacy before being appointed.     
   Rodriguez, 58, was hired last month and will earn about $250,000 a year, $150,000 less than Hernandez.