Kent Child, the former Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at
Gavilan College, was appointed over six other candidates to the
Gavilan College Board of Trustees during a board meeting held March
8.
Hollister – Kent Child, the former Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Gavilan College, was appointed over six other candidates to the Gavilan College Board of Trustees during a board meeting held March 8.
He replaces James de la Cruz who resigned in January because of a conflict of interest – he joined the San Benito County Board of Supervisors. Child has a long-standing relationship with the school, first joining the faculty of Gavilan College as an Assistant Professor of Art in 1968. He taught for almost 20 years teaching art and language there.
“He was the boss,” said Gavilan trustee and former graduate, Mark Dover. “When I was there he was the Dean of Liberal Arts and Science.”
Child retired in 2002, but always looked towards becoming a trustee. “I remember even then he had talked about running for the board,” Dover said.
Child’s appointment is provisional and becomes effective in 30 days, provided there is no petition for a special election. He will serve the remainder of Cruz’s term.
“He’s a good guy,” Dover said. “He’s not looking for political gain. You know he has Gavilan’s interests at heart.”
With more than 30 years of experience at Gavilan under his belt, becoming familiar with the school should not be a problem for Child.
Dover believes that one of the areas at Gavilan College Child will most likely try to improve is the performing arts. “He’s going to be a very big advocate – and we’ve never had that.”
The seat – representing Area 3 of the board which covers all of San Benito County – will be up for election again in 2006.
