The Desert Community College District Board of Trustees announced this morning their selection of Dr. Joel Kinnamon as the new College of the Desert Superintendent/President effective July 9, 2012. Dr. Kinnamon is coming to COD from Chabot-Las Positas Community College District where he was serving as Chancellor of this two-college district.
 
“We are excited about welcoming Dr. Kinnamon as the new president of College of the Desert,” said Dr. Bonnie Stefan, Board Chair. “He brings valuable experience and knowledge to our campus and community.”
 
“It is an honor to be selected by the Board to lead College of the Desert, a leader in higher education in the region and the state,” stated Dr. Kinnamon. “I look forward to working with the Board, faculty, staff and community to build upon the good work that has already been done and to continue COD’s record of student success and community partnerships.”
 
“I’m proud of the selection committee’s dedication and commitment to the selection process for the new Superintendent/President,” stated Michael O’Neill, selection committee chair and Board of Trustees Vice Chair. “The Superintendent/President search and selection process was an inclusive one comprised of students, administrators, faculty, staff and community members, who worked tirelessly to find the best leader for COD. They did their job very well. We look forward to Dr. Kinnamon joining us in July.”
 
Before becoming chancellor, Dr. Kinnamon served the district as the Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Planning for five years. Prior to his work in the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District, Dr. Kinnamon spent several years with community colleges in Oklahoma serving as Provost (CEO) of the Southwest Campus for Tulsa Community College and at Oklahoma City Community College in various progressive roles including Professor of Business. Prior to his employment in the community college system, Dr. Kinnamon spent nearly a decade in the business and finance sector. He has received many awards and recognitions and belongs to several professional and community organizations.
 
Kinnamon received his doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Nova Southeastern University, his master’s degree with honors in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University, and his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Economics from Oklahoma State University.
 
Dr. Kinnamon is the seventh president of College of the Desert and will officially step into the job on July 9, 2012.