After attending the presidential candidate interviews for Mesa Community College, I began to look through the bios offered. Meeting all five personally was helpful too.
MCC has had much success and victories as well. The article the Tribune offered on declining enrollment prompted me to think more about its next president.
Although one could find something positive about each candidate, Dr. Shouan Pan, Provost of Broward Community College-South Campus since 2003, in Florida clearly stands above the rest.
With a long history in executive administration enhanced by his Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration, Master of Education in College Student Personnel Administration, and Bachelor of Arts in English - plus the list of student related involvement is persuasive.
Success at MCC will depend on someone strong with a vast amount of excellence in their professional experience, community involvement, and proven record which Dr. Pan has. His previous positions include:
Executive Dean of Instruction and Student Services-Florida, Dean of Student Life-Pennsylvania, both community colleges, Recruitment and Retention Administrator and Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at NAU, Director of Residence Life at Central AZ College, Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of International Education in China.
His community involvement spans from:
Board Member of a Chamber of Commerce, Commission Member of Holocaust Education FL Dept. of Education, Co-Chair Southern Regional Consortium of Learning Communities, Principal, Vice President, Chinese Cultural Assoc., Board of Directors National Finance Academy, Vice Chair United Way Resource Management Cabinet and Fund Allocation Committee & Volunteer.
With honors and awards:
Educator of the Year, Executive Leadership Institute, Chancellor’s Leadership Seminar, Kellogg Fellow, Honorary Member Golden Key International Honor Society, Research Excellence, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
To hear Dr. Pan speak you understand his overall value of education, concern for jobs, social justice, and a diverse population. All the attributes to lead MCC - in my opinion!
