Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

New West Valley College president Dr. Marchelle Fox greets guests at a reception in her honor last week.

First woman president picked at West Valley after nationwide search

By Tim Persyn

The Board Room at West Valley College was packed May 22 for a reception honoring the college's new president, Marchelle Fox.

Fox was chosen after a nationwide search that drew 65 applicants. She will replace interim president Sam Schauerman, who has served as West Valley's president this past year after former president Leo Chavez took the job of chancellor at the Foothill-De Anza district.

Fox will become the first woman president of West Valley when she begins her new duties July 1.

The college's community and its new president both seem excited at the prospect of working with each other. At the reception, Chancellor Rose Tseng commented, "We have a person of passion, proven experience, and potential."

Fox said, "This college has a long and proud tradition of providing the very best in community college education and is poised to move ahead to address the challenges of the future. What more could a new president ask?"

The original 65 applicants were screened to 15 by a search committee consisting of faculty, students, staff and a community member. These 15 candidates were then interviewed by the committee, which selected three finalists, including Fox, for review by chancellor Tseng.

Tseng selected Fox, and the Board of Trustees approved her selection.

Tseng said the breadth of Fox's qualifications impressed her. Fox's previous positions have included dean for instructional advancement and dean of instruction at San Diego City College. She holds a PhD in educational administration from the University of Texas, Austin.

Tseng explained her impressions of Fox. "I think she feels this is not just a job--it's something she believes in. I'm like that. We both want to make a difference in society and the community."

West Valley officials said that Fox has particularly good qualifications in planning, an important asset as the college looks to serve the community in an evolving economy.

Dr. Joseph Samuels, dean of instruction, co-chaired the search committee. "We feel she's a person who can take us to the next level in the college's history. She's strong in technology and curriculum, and she's committed to diversity," Samuels said. "I look forward to working with her and for her. I don't think the college community will be disappointed."