EVERETT — Henry Cogswell College found its new president in Texas.
Homer Garcia, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas, will begin his new job at the downtown Everett campus in mid-March.
Members of the search committee for the private college were impressed with the breadth of Garcia’s experience.
"He has done a great deal of community work. He has good fund-raising experience," said William Pickens, chancellor of the Foundation for Educational Achievement, which oversees Henry Cogswell College. "He has a lot of administrative experience in higher education. He has been a professor and teacher for a long time and built a very distinguished record as an instructor."
The college began looking for a new president when Ron Hundley announced his resignation in July so he could move to the East Coast to be closer to his family. Hundley will help with the transition.
Hundley guided the college’s move to Everett in 1995, helped it acquire the old Federal Building for its main campus building and weaned it of its dependence on the Boeing Co. for much of its financial support.
Garcia, 52, said he intends to be active in civic activities in Everett.
Garcia earned his doctorate in sociology from Yale University and did his postdoctoral studies in educational policy at Johns Hopkins University.
His research has delved into a variety of subjects, including educational public policy, race and ethnic relations, and evaluation of programs.
He has received numerous research grants, served on the boards of community organizations and has been a volunteer with charities ranging from food banks to advocates for the homeless.
Garcia said he was a finalist for three other college presidencies and was under consideration at six colleges when he accepted the post at Henry Cogswell College. He said he had a good feeling about the college when he interviewed in January.
"More than anything, it was the people," he said. "I enjoyed meeting the administrators, the faculty, the students and the trustees. Chemistry is very important, and the chemistry was right on target. These are people I want to work with."
Garcia said he also likes the "the student-centered focus of the school and the fact that it wants to grow."
Pickens said he was particularly impressed with Garcia’s ability to connect with communities , a trait the college has been looking for in a new president.
Enrollment hovers at around 300, but the college hopes its new president can boost enrollment in the years ahead. Last year, Henry Cogswell College unveiled plans that could triple the size of its downtown campus over the next decade. Much would have to fall into place, from fund-raising to property acquisition, but the college hopes to eventually expand enrollment to 1,000 students.
The college offers majors in business administration, computer sciences, digital arts, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering, along with continuing education classes.
Garcia’s wife, Sylvia, also is a teacher, and the couple have two grown children in college.
To save the college on moving expenses, Garcia said he plans to make two U-Haul trips to Everett from Texas.
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or stevick@heraldnet.com.
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