Bullock Will Take the Reins at Saddleback

Traditionally divided trustees for the South Orange County Community College District have unanimously appointed a new president for Saddleback College.

Dixie Bullock, serving since February as acting vice president of instruction, received a two-year contract under trustee action Monday.

Bullock, a 61-year-old San Juan Capistrano resident, said her first job will be to find a successor for her former office.

This decision comes months after the loss of former president Ned Doffoney. The district recently has been unable to retain college administrators.

The trustees also unanimously appointed a new chancellor earlier this month, Dr. Cedric Sampson, after a four-month nationwide search that turned up only six candidates.

Controversy has surrounded the district for more than a year, including a recall drive against Trustee Stephen J. Frogue and a reorganization of Irvine Valley College’s administration.

“I’m used to tough times,” said Bullock, who plans to work closely with the chancellor to begin “the healing process.”

Bullock started working at the college in 1976 as a teacher; she served as dean of numerous departments before her appointment to vice president.

She said her primary goal as president of the 22,000-student college is to work on rebuilding its image while preparing for its accreditation review in October.