Dr. Steven Gonzales, Maricopa County Community College District interim chancellor, recently named Dr. Lori Berquam, Mesa Community College executive vice president, as MCC interim president. She will serve in her new role beginning Feb. 1, 2020.

Prior to making his decision Dr. Gonzales visited MCC to meet with a range of stakeholders and leaders from the college’s shared governance structure, according to a release.

“Dr. Berquam’s extensive leadership experience coupled with the support she has earned from college leadership, students and employees for advancing key initiatives, namely student success, makes her a strong and very logical choice as MCC’s interim president,” Dr. Gonzales said in the release “She will provide strong leadership and ensure that key priorities continue to thrive at MCC.

Dr. Berquam has more than 30 years of leadership experience in higher education. She is actively engaged in advancing MCC institutional priorities including guided pathways; shared governance; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and strategic planning.

Dr. Richard Haney, who served as MCC president since July 2018, submitted his resignation earlier this month.

“While Dr. Haney was not with our system long, his impact was significant. We will miss his leadership, passion to serve our students and his friendship,” Dr. Gonzales said in the release.

MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Go to  mesacc.edu.