The Yosemite Community College District has named Dr. Santanu Bandyopadhyay to serve as acting president of Modesto Junior College while current President Jim Houpis is out on medical leave.

Bandyopadhyay has been president of Columbia College in Tuolumne County since July 2018, while Houpis has been MJC president for 22 months. Together, MJC and Columbia serve more than 29,000 students.

YCCD Chancellor Henry Yong said Bandyopadhyay will lead both colleges during Houpis’ absence.

“Santanu has been an excellent leader during his time at Columbia College,” Yong said. “The district is fortunate to have someone with his skills and experience who can step into this important position at Modesto Junior College during this time.”