IVC president accepts job at Mira-Costa College in San Diego

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - Imperial Valley College (IVC) will soon be searching for a new leader as the current president of IVC is moving on to his next adventure.

Dr. Lennor M. Johnson, Superintendent and President of IVC, has accepted the same role at Mira-Costa College in San Diego.

Dr. Johnson has led IVC for the past decade, and he leaves some words of encouragement to incoming and current students.

"Continue to pursue your dreams. You know there's nothing that you cant accomplish if you put your mind to it and you're willing to work hard for it," Johnson expressed. "And many of our students are doing that every single day. But knowing that you have the potential, you have the gift within you, push, push, push your limits because that's what we have to do as a society."

Johnson has overseen major initiatives which include the college earning national recognition and expanding student and workforce programs.

He also helped bridge the divide for cross-border students.

"We reach across the border to establish relationships, connections with those individuals. Many of our students reside in Mexico, or visit Mexico, have family in Mexico," Johnson shared. "And many of our students either work over there. So it's just so many things that are unique to this county."

Johnson says he hopes whoever takes up the reins as IVC's president will continue pushing ahead to create opportunities for the valley.

In addition, he touted the college's 2030 Plan, which will expand technology and equity while also expanding the campus.

"I think a picture says a thousand words, so I'm going to point to this," Johnson remarked. "We're constantly fighting to remove barriers to increase student access to success with the ultimate goal  of eradicating poverty."

The IVC District Board of Trustees is expected to appoint an interim president as they search for a permanent replacement.