Huntington Beach, California – Following a national search, Meridith Randall, J.D. has been selected to serve as the next president of Golden West College (GWC). Randall has served as interim president since April 2023. Her move to the permanent position was approved by the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees on January 17, 2024.
About President Randall
Meridith Randall brings nearly 30 years of experience in higher education to her new role, including 17 years as a Chief Instruction Officer in the California Community College system. Randall served as Vice President of Instruction at GWC for three years prior to being selected as Interim President of the College.
During her three decades of service, Randall has been an accreditation liaison officer for five different institutions; served on several visiting accreditation teams; participated on state advisory committees for dual enrollment, institutional effectiveness and online education; served as president of the California Community Colleges Chief Instructional Officers (CCCCIO) organization twice; and has supported the development of multiple career technical education programs. She also has served as director of programs and educational effectiveness for the California Virtual Campus and helped lead the effort to develop a statewide online course exchange.
"Golden West is fortunate to have someone with proven community college leadership experience and a record of advancing student success," says Coast Community College District Chancellor, Dr. Whitney Yamamura. "As former vice presidents of instruction, spending years working together for the betterment of the system, I grew to know, respect, and appreciate Meridith's skills and abilities."
Coast Board of Trustees President, Dr. Lorraine Prinsky, adds: "Meridith is the essence of a community college leader, an educator at heart who sees her mission in the faces of our students. We are fortunate to have her continue to lead GWC as president."
In her career, Randall has worked at four different community colleges, including Mendocino College and Shasta College. She began her career as an English instructor at Palau Community College in 1993, eventually becoming Dean of Academic Affairs there.
"I am honored by the trust placed in me by the trustees, chancellor, the greater Huntington Beach community, and my Golden West colleagues," says Randall. "GWC is a special place with enormous potential, and I look forward to working with everyone here to make our dreams for students a reality."
Randall has a bachelor's degree from Amherst College, a master's degree from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law.
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Located in the coastal community of Huntington Beach, also known as "Surf City," Golden West College is highly regarded for academic quality and innovation. Founded in 1965 as part of the multi-college Coast Community College District, GWC provides enriching and innovative programs that help students: transfer to four-year institutions, earn associate degrees, complete certificates in career and technical education, advance their careers, and demonstrate college readiness.
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