Jothany Blackwood, vice president for academic success Courtesy
A reception for new vice president will be held in Koehler House Tuesday.
By Cynthia M. Herrera
cherrera151@student.alamo.edu
Jothany Blackwood, the new vice president for academic success at this college, took over her post today.
Blackwood, who oversees academic programs, was chosen at the district board meeting Jan. 20 at Killen Center.
The decision to hire Blackwood came from this college’s search committee and President Robert Vela.
“It is an incredible moment for me,” Blackwood said. “It’s a perfect fit. I’m excited to be part of San Antonio College.
“I appreciate the faculty; I really look forward to working as a team with them.”
Blackwood served as dean of fine, performing and communication arts at Fresno City College in Fresno, Calif., for eight years and has more than 14 years of academic experience. She received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives in February 2014 for her services in the community. She also received the Heritage Award in Education from the California State Assembly for advocacy in education in Central California in 2012.
Blackwood will work closely with the vice president of student success, who has yet to be chosen.
In Vela’s email to faculty Jan. 15, he said a new vice president for student success has not been chosen despite the three finalists who were considered in November.
However, Vela said Emma Mendiola agreed to serve as interim dean of student success and department chair of student development.
Mendiola served as dean of student success in 2010. She did not respond to Ranger requests for an interview.
Vela was vice president of student and academic success until fall 2014, when he replaced retiring President Robert Zeigler.
In a phone interview, Vela said a new vice president should be chosen by the summer or fall.
Vela said the college must take its time to select the ideal candidate.
“It’s not unusual that you don’t hire, the first time around,” he said. “This is a very important position for the college, and we need to make sure that the person we all decide to bring on is the right person for the job.”
Vela said the college will begin accepting applications again in March.
“When we post (positions), most people are not looking for jobs,” he said. “Normally when people are looking for jobs, it’s in the spring. That’s when folks start looking to move. So we feel that the spring will probably get us a better pool.”
Those who applied before are encouraged to reapply if they choose, Vela said.
A welcome reception for Blackwood will be from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday in Koehler Cultural Center, 310 W. Ashby Place.
For more information, call 210-486-0937.
