The Delta College Board of Trustees has approved a contract with Dr. Omid Pourzanjani, officially appointing the longtime educator to be Delta’s 11th Superintendent/President.

The contract, approved by a vote of 6-0 with one abstention at a Delta trustees meeting earlier this month, takes effect on Aug. 12, 2019 and runs through June 30, 2022.

Dr. Pourzanjani, an immigrant and a former first-generation college student, has served in higher education for over 35 years. Under the terms of the contract, Dr. Pourzanjani’s salary will start at $253,500 per year, with potential three percent raises in 2020 and 2021 contingent on job performance.

“Serving Delta College and the community will be a wonderful opportunity for me,” Dr. Pourzanjani said. “My goal has always been to help more students — many of whom are first-generation, as I once was — to succeed in higher education. It’s a big task, but I know that we can do it.”

Dr. Pourzanjani has held positions ranging from professor to vice president of instruction and student learning. He is currently a visiting vice chancellor at the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

“The Delta College community is excited to welcome Dr. Pourzanjani,” said Board President Dr. Catherine Mathis whose coverage area on the board includes Escalon. “His experience and leadership style are well-suited to our needs as we implement the Guided Pathways program. We feel fortunate to have him as our new Superintendent/President.”

Retiring Superintendent/President Dr. Kathy Hart has led Delta since 2012. She brought stability to the College after a time of rapid turnover. She led the College to successful reaccreditation in 2014 and is known for her work in the community, including partnerships benefiting Delta students and alumni.

“I am delighted to welcome Omid to this great District,” Dr. Hart said. “I know he will be an outstanding leader for the District and our community.”