College District Opts for New Chancellor

In a surprise move, trustees of the South Orange County Community College District voted unanimously not to renew the contract of Chancellor Cedric Sampson.

“It’s fair to say there was a loss of confidence there, that we felt we needed new leadership,” said board member David B. Lang.

Sampson, who has been on sick leave for almost two months with anemia, said the move Monday night surprised him. “I have to take some time to absorb this and find out from the board what the reasons for the action are,” he said.

Sampson, 58, has been chancellor for about two years. His contract, which expires Sept. 30, pays him $158,000 a year. He said he expects to return to work but is not sure when.

Early this month, the trustees named Richard A. Jones to fill in for Sampson.