Volume 44, Issue 11. Today is

Giles takes over as president

Zach Hibert
Mesa Legend

EDITOR’S NOTE: Wayne Giles officially took his post as interim president of MCC on March 1. He began by taking a walking tour of the campus with Chancellor Rufus Glasper.
The pair began their walkabout at the clock tower, made their way to the bio-tech center in the Life Science Building, and finished up at the library.
Outside the library, Giles responded to a few questions.

Question: What are your first impressions of MCC?
Answer: I got a chance to meet with the student government. I was impressed by the caliber of their questions and the level of student leadership. I also met with faculty and engaged students one-on-one. Overall, I am impressed with what I have seen so far.

Q: Now that you have seen the campus and met with students and faculty, do you have any solid plans for MCC?
A: My role is to work with the school and stick to the strategic plan. I will be helping to select the new president in accordance with the challenge profile. There will be no major shifts; we will continue to focus on teaching and learning.

Q: What do you uniquely bring to MCC?
A: I have worked within a multi-college system before, and as a chancellor/president have already faced similar challenges. It is about breaking down competitive barriers and working together for the greater good.

Q: You are retired, why did you take this job?
A: Some retired presidents and chancellors get involved in becoming interim presidents. I was asked by Chancellor Glasper to help out. I am committed to working until a new president is on board.

Q: What do you feel MCC is in need of?
A: There are times in every organization when different leadership is needed. That is the purpose of creating the challenge profile and selecting an individual that meets its criteria.

Q: What is the time frame for selecting a new president?
A: A matter of a search firm will expedite the process, but at the latest by July 1, if not at the beginning of the fall semseter.


David Burgess/Mesa Legend

Interim President Wayne Giles and Chancellor Rufus Glasper walk around the MCC campus at Southern and Dobson on Giles’ first day on the job.


David Burgess/Mesa Legend

Chancellor Rufus Glasper, Interim President Wayne Giles and Stan Kikkert of the life sciences department visit a biology lab and discuss future plans for the biotechnology program..