Killpatrick selected as college's next president

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE - At a special Thursday morning meeting called by the Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees, the board finally answered the question that's been on the community's mind: Who will be the next college president?

The answer is Paul Killpatrick, and he'll start his new job July 1.

"The board wants to thank everyone for their input," board President Roberta Mason said. "It was a difficult decision because of the high caliber of candidates."

Killpatrick, who is finishing his time as president of Great Basin College in Elko, said he's elated with the opportunity.

During the interview process, Killpatrick visited South Lake Tahoe several times to become familiar with the community.

"I wanted to hear from the movers and shakers to see their reality of the community," Killpatrick said.

He said he met with Betty "B" Gorman, president of the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce; Camden Collins, city economic development manager; and Teresita "Tere" Tibbetts, a bilingual counselor at the college and an active member of the Latino community.

Mason said Killpatrick has integrated the college into the community at Great Basin College by creating workforce programs and baccalaureate degrees in select areas and increasing enrollment.

"I picture him as our Energizer Bunny," Mason said. "He'll challenge us to keep up with him, but he listens, too."

Scott Lukas, an anthropology and sociology instructor at LTCC, said Killpatrick connected with the faculty during the public forums. Killpatrick also demonstrated his dedication to students by reading to young children at day-care centers in his spare time.

Killpatrick said he started reading to kids in 1992 when he was serving in senior administrative positions at Yakima Valley Community College in Yakima, Wash.

He's continued the practice to help make up for the lack of male role models in some children's lives.

"If you've had a hard day, just go and read to kids, and it reminds you why you're here," Killpatrick said.

Killpatrick was one of four candidates selected as finalists for the position. The others were Thom Armstrong, the former president of Copper Mountain Community College in Joshua Tree, Calif.; David Rule, president of Muskegon Community College in Michigan; and local Lori Gaskin, LTCC vice president of academic affairs and student services.

The board is scheduled to approve Killpatrick's contract at its Tuesday board meeting.

Killpatrick will be moving to the area with his wife, Bernadette. They have three children and four grandchildren.