MISSION VIEJO : Opinions Sought on Selecting Chancellor

Saddleback Community College District officials will hold two public meetings this week to give community members a chance to express their views on the hiring of a new chancellor.

After 30 years in college administration, including seven as chancellor of the Saddleback Community College District, Richard Sneed, 63, announced recently that he will retire, effective Aug. 31.

The two meetings will offer the community a chance to participate in the nationwide search for a new chancellor, according to officials.

District trustees recently approved spending up to $20,500 to hire a national firm, the Assn. of Community College Trustees, to lead the search for a chancellor.

As a first step, the association is compiling a profile that will be used for an advertising brochure on the chancellor position. Comments from the public will be used to help develop that profile.

Community members will also be asked to name the main long-term challenges and opportunities facing the district and recommend any candidates for the position.

The first meeting will be Thursday at 3 p.m. in Room A101 at Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine.

The second will be Friday at 4:15 p.m. in the Business/General Studies annex at Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

Officials hope to have a final list of candidates by October.

For more information on the meetings, contact Diane Riopka, district public information director, at (714) 582-4920.