Mt. San Jacinto College Announces Finalists for Next Superintendent/President

Public forums scheduled for community feedback on the four candidates

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:06am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a mortar board graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the iconic symbol of higher education in a modern pop art style.The search for Mt. San Jacinto College's next superintendent/president brings a sense of anticipation and opportunity for the community to shape the institution's future.Modesto Today

Mt. San Jacinto College has named four finalists in its national search for the district's next superintendent/president. The candidates, recommended by a constituency-based search committee, include Dr. Lonita Cordova, Dr. Tawny Dotson, Dr. Jannie G. Kim, and Dr. Daniel Lopez. Public forums will be held on April 21 for the community to provide feedback before the MSJC Board of Trustees selects the next leader in May.

Why it matters

The selection of a new superintendent/president is a critical decision for Mt. San Jacinto College, as the chosen candidate will guide the institution's strategic direction, oversee operations, and champion initiatives to improve student access and success. The public forums allow the community to engage in the process and provide input on the finalists.

The details

The four finalists bring extensive experience in California's community college system and higher education leadership. Dr. Cordova is the assistant superintendent/vice president of Student Services at San Joaquin Delta College, Dr. Dotson is the president of Yuba College, Dr. Kim is the president of Santiago Canyon College, and Dr. Lopez is the president of Harold Washington College in Chicago.

  • The public forums will be held on Tuesday, April 21, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Temecula Valley Campus (TA-301) and will be streamed live.
  • The MSJC Board of Trustees is expected to select the next superintendent/president in May.

The players

Dr. Lonita Cordova

Assistant superintendent/vice president of Student Services at San Joaquin Delta College, with more than 20 years of experience in California's community college system and a background in leadership roles at Modesto Junior College and Merced Community College District.

Dr. Tawny Dotson

President of Yuba College, with a career that includes leadership roles across multiple states and service as a U.S. Air Force officer. She is active in statewide and national higher education leadership initiatives.

Dr. Jannie G. Kim

President of Santiago Canyon College, with more than 35 years of experience across the University of California, California State University, and community college systems, focusing on strategic planning, institutional change, and the integration of technology in education.

Dr. Daniel Lopez

President of Harold Washington College in Chicago, with more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, focusing on student success, academic programs, and equity initiatives. He is involved in several national higher education organizations.

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What’s next

The public forums on April 21 will provide an opportunity for the community to engage with the finalists and offer feedback before the MSJC Board of Trustees selects the next superintendent/president in May.

The takeaway

The selection of a new superintendent/president is a crucial decision for Mt. San Jacinto College, and the public forums allow the community to participate in the process and ensure the chosen candidate aligns with the institution's goals and values.