John Grindel has been appointed interim president of Cerritos College.

In a closed session meeting on July 22, the Cerritos College Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint John, vice president of academic affairs/ provost, as interim president. he replaces Dr. Jane Harmon, who was placed on paid administrative leave by the Board at the July 17 Board meeting.

“I am very flattered to have the Board ask me to take on this position,” Grindel stated.

“I look forward to working closely with the vice presidents and leading the college forward over the next one to two years. Given the strength of Cerritos, I am confident this transition will go smoothly as we continue to meet the challenge of serving students.”

The decision came as a result of Dr. Harmon revoking her resignation on July 9.

On June 13 in a closed session meeting, the Board passed a motion to begin “negotiations and mutual release agreement between Cerritos College and Dr. Harmon” by June 30.

It was further agreed that if negotiations were not successful Dr. Harmon would be placed on paid administrative leave. A resignation agreement was negotiated and on July 1 the Board accepted her signed resignation. However, on July 9 Dr. Harmon exercised her right to revoke the resignation.

As a result, the Board passed a motion to place Dr. Harmon on paid administrative leave effective July 17, 2002.