Presidential Search Candidate Information


At its May 6 board meeting, the Board unanimously selected presidential candidate Dr. Jose L. Fierro to serve as the College's next president/superintendent. Dr. Fierro is the vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer for Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Dr. Fierro's start date will be determined pending negotiations.

At its March 15 Special Meeting, the Board selected two finalists to advance in the presidential search process. Site visits will take place at the candidates' campuses on March 25 and April 17. The visiting team will include at least three trustees and search consultant, Dr. Edward Hernandez.

Finalists

  • Dr. Jose L. Fierro - Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, Wyoming
    Site visit: April 17
  • Dr. Angelica L. Suarez - Southwestern College, Chula Vista, California
    Site visit: March 25

Following an intensive nationwide search, the Cerritos College Board of Trustees has identified five candidates to consider for the president/superintendent position. Dr. Linda L. Lacy announced her retirement last summer, having served as president of the College for six years. She retires with more than 41 years in education. Dr. Lacy's contract with the District ends on June 30, 2015.

Each candidate will spend a half day at Cerritos College taking a tour of the campus and meeting with campus constituents. The public forum will be held at the end of their visit.

Forum Schedule: (Click each candidate's name for the full schedule)

Tuesday, March 10

Wednesday, March 11

Thursday, March 12

Candidate forums will be held March 10-12 at Cerritos College in the Teleconference Center (LC 155). Community members are invited to the forums.

Video provided by Robert A. Perez Images for Cerritos College

Meet the Candidates

Dr. Jose Fierro

Dr. Jose Fierro
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, Wyoming

Dr. Fierro is vice president of Academic Affairs and chief academic officer at Laramie County Community College. Dr. Fierro earned his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Applied Sciences in Bogotá,Colombia; his M.S. inleadershipand management of educational programs from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and his Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Northcentral University in Prescott,Arizona.Read Dr. Fierro's full biography.

Dr. Monte Perez

Dr. Monte Perez
President, Los Angeles Mission College
Los Angeles Community College District
Sylmar, California

Dr. Perez is president of Los Angeles Mission College (LACCD). He obtained his bachelor’s degree in social science government at California State University, Los Angeles, and his master’s and Ph.D. in public policy and administration from the University of Southern California. Read Dr. Perez' full biography.

Dr. Peter Perhac

Dr. Peter Perhac
President/CEO, Steamboat Campus
Colorado Mountain College
Steamboat, Colorado

Dr. Perhac currently serves as chief executive officer for Colorado Mountain College's Steamboat campus and Vail campus. Dr. Perhac received his bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in counseling from John Carroll University.  He holds a doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco. Read Dr. Perhac's full biography.

Dr. Angélica Loera Suarez

Dr. Angélica Loera Suarez
Vice President, Student Affairs Division
Southwestern College
Chula Vista, California

Dr. Angelica Loera Suarez has served as vice president, Student Affairs at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California. She earned an associate degree in liberal studies from East Los Angeles College and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from California State University, Long Beach. Dr. Suarez holds a doctoral degree in educational policy and leadership studies from Loyola University Chicago. Read Dr. Suarez' full biography.

Dr. Rajen Ramalingum Vurdien

Dr. Rajen Ramalingum Vurdien
President, Fullerton College
North Orange Community College District
Fullerton, California

Dr. Vurdien is president of Fullerton College. He has a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Upper Brittany, Rennes, France, and a post graduate certificate in education from the Mauritius Institute of Education. He completed an M.Ed. and a Ph.D. in psychological studies in education at Temple University and an MBA from Long Island University.  Read Dr. Vurdien's full biography.

On March 15, the Board of Trustees will interview the five candidates during its Special Board meeting. In April/May the Board will conduct site visits at the home schools of the final two selected candidates. The College expects the new president to assume the position on July 1.

Board Seeks New President

Download Brochure (PDF)2014 Cerritos College Presidental search brochure cover

The Board of Trustees of Cerritos College has begun its search for a President/Superintendent. Cerritos College, located in Los Angeles County, is an outstanding leadership opportunity for qualified candidates. Please download the description of the College and position with detailed qualifications and the application process.

For confidential telephone inquiries about the position or to nominate candidates, please contact Community College Search Services consultants: Dr. Edward Hernandez, Jr., (714) 336-1266 or edwardhernandezjr44@gmail.com and Dr. Eva Conrad, (805) 660-1527 or eva.e.conrad@gmail.com.

The deadline for the first screening of application materials is January 30, 2015. Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials prior to this date.