James Jansen resigns VP position at Shoreline CC

James Jansen leaves SCC

James Jansen, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services, has decided to leave Shoreline Community College.

Interim President Daryl Campbell thanked Jansen for his service.

“Dr. Jansen is a dedicated educator and I have appreciated his thoughtful approach,” Campbell said, adding that Jansen’s resignation was effective Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013. “We wish James the very best as he takes the next step in his long and honorable career.”

Jansen came to Shoreline in June, 2012, from Corning Community College, Corning, NY, where he was Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. He also held positions at colleges in Pennsylvania, Oregon, Wyoming and Utah. Jansen holds four advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Language and Literature from the University of Utah, and three undergraduate degrees.

Campbell noted that Jansen’s departure comes at an awkward time as the college is also looking to fill several other key positions, including a permanent President and the Dean of Workforce and Continuing Education.

“Fortunately, a face very familiar to our campus has accepted my offer to put a steady hand on the tiller in Academic Affairs and Students Services: John Backes,” Campbell said. Jansen took over the job from Backes, who retired in June, 2012. “John said he is absolutely willing to help bridge the gap.” 

Campbell said the Backes will return on Sept. 18 and stay through the end of the year and perhaps into January, 2014. “Nobody knows Shoreline Community College better than John,” Campbell said. “I have no doubt about his steady hand.”

Shortly after fall quarter begins, the College will conduct a modified search for an Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services. “My intent is to fill that position quickly, leaving ample time for that individual to overlap with John and reap the benefits of his experience, wisdom and mentoring,” Campbell said. Backes will also be charged with make significant progress toward the goal of a workforce-dean appointment by the end of December.

Next spring, the College will open a search for a permanent Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Services. That search process will do everything but name the successor. “A permanent appointment will be reserved for the successful presidential candidate,” Campbell said.

The college is also looking for a permanent replacement for former President Lee Lambert, who left in June for the chancellor job at Pima College in Tucson, Ariz. That same month, Shoreline’s Board of Trustees named Campbell, who had been vice president for administrative services, as interim president. The presidential search process is expected to take until June, 2014.