COCC’s top presidential pick withdraws
Dr. Tony Miksa, the top candidate to become president at Central Oregon Community College, has withdrawn from consideration due to a death in the family, college officials said late Wednesday afternoon.
Dr. Miksa’s father-in-law passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, the school noted.
The COCC board had announced last month its choice of Dr. Miksa, vice president of academic and student affairs at McHenry County College in Illinois, from among four finalists for the position.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Miksa, his family and especially his wife,” said COCC Board Chair Laura Craska Cooper.
“We understand and respect their decision to remain close to her mother and, therefore, not make the move to Central Oregon,” Cooper said.
“For COCC and for Central Oregon, we are very disappointed as we felt Dr. Miksa would be an outstanding president for our college,” she said. “Having seen the tremendous talent and dedication of faculty, staff and the board during the search process, I’m confident that COCC is in a position of strength and will continue to provide a quality, supportive educational experience for students and members of the community.”
The COCC Board will meet on Friday at noon in executive session to discuss next steps.
Last year, the college announced its intention to hire Patrick Lanning, an administrator from Chemeketa Community College, as its next president, but decided to restart its search after learning Lanning was accused of raping a colleague.
