OCCC’s search for a new Vice President of Academic Affairs came to conclusion Feb. 24 with the selection of Dean of Health Professions Vincent Bridges as the top candidate.

 After opening the search to both in-house and national applicants, the college narrowed down the candidates to a handful– three from within OCCC administration and three from different states.

Dr. Bridges was selected from six candidates including Dean of Science, Engineering and Math Dr. Max Simmons and Interim Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Makenna Green-Garrison, both of OCCC.

Other candidates included Dr. Gregory South, of Clovis Community College in New Mexico, Dr. Fabian Vega from Hudson Valley Community College in New York, and Dr. Carl Bridges from Midwestern Career College in Illinois.

Bridges will take his new position March 8. 

When Bridges assumes the post, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Kim Jameson, who did not apply for the vice president’s position, will step away from the position.

It is still unclear what her new job at OCCC will be or if she will stay employed at the college. 

Neither Simmons, Jameson nor Green-Garrison have yet responded to requests for comment.