Pierce Names Thomas Academic Affairs VP

Pierce College took another step toward stability in its administrative staff by appointing the acting vice president of academic affairs to the position permanently, officials announced Tuesday.

Carmelita Thomas, who was one of three final candidates for the job, said that although she has been doing the job since January 1995, she was reluctant to make long-term changes or plans for the college and curriculum.

“I would not have wanted to change the structure that was there before if somebody was going to come in and do the job after me,” she said.

But now, she said she will concentrate on restructuring staff jobs to better distribute responsibilities.

“We will be looking at functions assigned to various deans,” she said. “They may need to be reshuffled, and we’ll take some jobs and see how they can be done better.”

Her appointment to the upper administrative position is the latest in an ongoing effort by college officials to bring structure to the Woodland Hills campus, which has seen the departure of many longtime employees over the last few years.

Officials said they don’t know when the position of vice president of administration will be permanently filled.

Thomas, who just last year had been interviewing for positions elsewhere, said she was happy to stay at Pierce to help continue what she saw as a steady improvement in enrollment and reputation over this school year.

She cited recent extension of Saturday classes and rescheduling of the summer session as changes that have been good for the college.

“They reflect the needs of students,” she said. “I hope we can continue to do things that take into account patterns that students seem to favor.”

Before Pierce, Thomas was dean of academic affairs at Los Angeles City College. She has been with the Los Angeles Community College District since 1976.