The Coast Community College District has promoted Meridith Randall from acting president to interim president of Golden West College in Huntington Beach. Her term is effective immediately through June 30.
Randall’s appointment comes after the former president, Tim McGrath, resigned this month. He left after receiving a no-confidence vote from the community college’s Academic Senate due to his handling of public safety incidents that led to an emergency lockdown last month for a potential firearm threat, according to Costa Mesa-based Orange Coast College student paper Coast Report.
Randall previously served as the vice president of Golden West. She counts nearly 30 years of experience in higher education, having worked for 17 years as the chief instruction officer in the California Community College system.
“We are fortunate to have a leader who has demonstrated commitment and care for community college students throughout her career,” Coast District Board President Mary Hornbuckle said in a statement.
Randall’s interim appointment may be extended while the college searches for a permanent president, which can take up to a year, officials said.
