Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Cerro Coso Community College proudly announces the hiring of Mike McNair, the new Dean of Career Technical Education. McNair's responsibilities are to provide academic leadership, direction, and support to the 15 technical instructional programs offered by the college at all 6 campuses. He will also oversee the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
"Mike is a seasoned educator and his vast leadership experience in the classroom and administration will make him a tremendous asset to the college," stated Cerro Coso President Jill Board.
McNair previously served as the Director of Academic Services at Pueblo Community College's Freemont Campus in Cañon City, Colorado, and prior to that he was the Director of Arts and Sciences at Lamar State College in Orange, Texas.
His teaching career started as a Graduate Research Assistant to Dr. Lieu Lee at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He also served as a teaching assistant and graduate part-time History instructor for Texas Tech University, and chaired the History, Economics, and Geography Department at Frank Phillips College for five years.
"I have a big heart for faculty, and I want to make sure they have all the tools they need to help students succeed," said McNair.
Heading into his first fall semester at the college, McNair grew up in Austin, Texas. Whether he is training soldiers, church members, or union comrades, McNair has that unique ability to inspire others with enthusiasm, historical facts, and his big sense of humor.
From a population of 16,400 in Colorado, McNair moved his wife, Virginia, and mother-in law, Celia Holt, to Ridgecrest. They love their new home and find the community "clean," free from graffiti, and well maintained.
McNair and Virginia have 6 grown children, 3 boys and 3 girls, between them and 10 grandchildren.
He holds a Bachelor's in Ministry and Southwest Asian History from Southern Christian University, a Master's in Education in Social Science from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, a Ph.D. ABD in History from Texas Tech University, and is working on his Educational Doctorate from Walden University in Higher Education and Adult Learning.
McNair is also a Reserve Chief Warrant Officer in the State Guard.