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SJRCC Press Release
September 17, 2008
Joe Pickens named SJRCC President
 Representative Joe Pickens has been selected as the fourth president of St. Johns River Community College. The vote by present Board members was unanimous during the September 17 meeting.
Pickens, 49, will succeed Robert L. McLendon Jr., Ph.D., who is retiring after serving 36 years as president. Pickens is expected to begin November 1 pending Board approval of his contract.
Pickens, who will soon end his eighth year representing District 21 in the Florida House of Representatives, has served as the Chairman of the House Education Appropriations Committee, Chairman of the House Schools and Learning Council, general counsel for the North East Florida Education Consortium, attorney for the Putnam County School Board, as well as serving part-time as SJRCC's special counsel to the president since 2005.
Trustee and head of the presidential search committee Breck Sloan said the College is fortunate to have such a qualified candidate who has built a reputation as an educational leader. "Pickens is the ideal choice to lead the College through any economic or academic challenges that may arise," Sloan said. "We (the Board) have seen his achievements and believe Mr. Pickens' commitment to education and his sense of community is the perfect combination for this College."
Pickens said it is an honor to be chosen to lead the College and again serve the communities he calls home. "I grew up with a great respect for this College and the impact it has on our communities," Pickens said, praising McLendon for four decades of unparalleled growth and success.
"I am humbled and inspired by Dr. McLendon's achievements and the fiscally and academically sound institution he has left for me to inherit," Pickens said. "No one could ask for a better tradition to continue."
Pickens added that his vision for the College includes embracing the College's mission of creating and improving learning opportunities and resources with the support of faculty. "I believe the best of St. Johns still lies ahead - for us to build together," he said.
McLendon addressed the Board stating it was a "happy night for St. Johns." "I am so very, very happy that Joe Pickens will be the next president," McLendon said. "He brings unique qualities to the office. He is certainly the right person to lead this institution today."
The Board's selection marked the end of a three-month process prompted by McLendon's retirement announcement in May. The search was conducted by the College Board of Trustees in cooperation with the College's Human Resources office. The College advertised its search nationally, drawing 33 applicants. Pickens was selected as one of three final candidates and later recommended for the position following a two-day tour of SJRCC campuses and interviews with the Trustees.
Pickens, a Crescent City native, earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida. He and his wife, Linda, have three children and live in Palatka.
St. Johns River Community College serves approximately 12,000 students with campuses in Palatka, St. Augustine and Orange Park.
Return to SJRCC home page.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Kessler
SJRCC Director of Public Relations and Publications
5001 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
(386) 312-4020
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