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The Madison College Presidential search is now entering the pivotal final stages of its selection of our institution’s next president to succeed current president Dr. Jack Daniels III who will be retiring this upcoming January. Three finalist candidates, whose bios are below, will be visiting the college for interviews and employee/student forums as well as community forums in the coming weeks.
As Board Chair, Donald D. Dantzler, Jr. has made clear in earlier communications, the engagement and participation of our students, employees, and the community at large are a critical part of the selection process. We encourage everyone to learn about the candidates and attend the forums, either in person or through a virtual option. After these visits conclude, the Madison College District Board of Trustees will be making its selection with a decision slated for November or December.
Finalist Candidates
Dr. Carlos O. Cortez
Dr. Carlos O. Cortez recently served as the chancellor of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD), the seventh-largest community college system in the United States. In this capacity, he oversaw more than 100,000 students annually and was responsible for a $1 billion budget. Previously, Dr. Cortez served as the president of San Diego College of Continuing Education, one of the four colleges that comprise the SDCCD. Dr. Cortez has served as faculty at Johns Hopkins University, National University, New York University, and the University of California (Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego). His research interests center on the role of educators and administrators of color in the historical development of American social welfare and education policy. Dr. Cortez is also an expert in the area of promoting inclusion in urban education through literacy and policy initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University, a Master of Arts from New York University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Southern California.
Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi
Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi currently serves as vice chancellor of instructional innovation and digital strategy at the Houston Community College System. In this role, he leads the implementation of immersive and AI technologies in instructional and student-facing operations to enhance the student teaching and learning experience. Prior to this position, he served for more than seven years as president of Central College, one of the colleges within the Houston Community College System and home to state-recognized career and academic programs, including the award-winning Fine Arts, Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Honors College. During his tenure at HCCS, Dr. Siddiqi developed collaborative initiatives with exceptional district and college teams to achieve student success, partnering with local high schools, four-year institutions, businesses, industry partners, and community organizations to foster inclusive, diverse, and equitable opportunities for students. Before Houston, Dr. Siddiqi served in a senior leadership capacity at community colleges in the Greater Chicago area.
He holds a Doctor of Education in Adult Education from Northern Illinois University, a MBA from the University of Northern Alabama, and a master’s degree in industrial technology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Dr. Siddiqi is passionate about teaching and has taught various undergraduate and graduate-level courses. He has also presented extensively at national and international conferences. He is a prolific writer, contributing to various academic and professional publications.
Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper
Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper is a strong advocate for community colleges, believing in their power to transform lives through education. As an equity-minded leader, she actively works to address policies that perpetuate inequities, striving for fair and just outcomes for all students. Dr. Robinson-Cooper has successfully led initiatives that increased enrollment, retention, and graduation rates by implementing equitable policies and student-centered strategies. Her tenure at various institutions demonstrates a focus on removing educational barriers and promoting social and economic mobility for students. Known for her collaborative and transparent leadership style, she fosters a shared vision for advancing student success and community engagement. With a strong background in fiscal management, she has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, secured philanthropic support, and developed strategic plans aligned with community needs.
Originally from Chicago, Dr. Robinson-Cooper holds a Doctor of Education in Counseling and Adult Higher Education and a Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Northern Illinois University, an MBA and Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from National Louis University, and an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Kishwaukee College.
Forum Schedule
We look forward to hosting employees, students, and the community at the upcoming presidential candidate forums. Below, you’ll find details on how to attend virtually or access the recordings afterward.
Employees: Links and more information can be found on Matters and WolfNet
Students: Please find your links below for quick access. If you are not able to attend the student sessions, you are welcome to attend the community sessions. This information will be shared via email and is available on the student news site.
Community members: If attending in person, parking will be available in Lot A, with entrance through the Gateway Entrance of the main Truax building. For those unable to join in person, we encourage you to attend remotely using the links provided below.
All forums will be held at the Madison College Truax Campus in room D1630.
If you have questions about attending or accessing the links, please reach out to us at search@madisoncollege.edu.
Dr. Carlos O. Ortiz
October 14
Employee Forum: 8:45 - 9:45 am
Student Forum: 10:30 - 11:15am
Join Student Forum Online
Community Forum: 5:15 - 6:15 pm
Join Community Forum Online
Dr. Muddassir Siddiqi
October 16
Employee Forum: 8:45 - 9:45 am
Student Forum: 10:30 - 11:15am
Join Student Forum Online
Community Forum: 5:15 - 6:15 pm
Join Community Forum Online
Dr. Tia Robinson-Cooper
October 21
Employee Forum: 8:45 - 9:45 am
Student Forum: 10:30 - 11:15am
Join Student Forum Online
Community Forum: 5:15 - 6:15 pm
Join Community Forum Online
Engagement and Input
To ensure comprehensive input from internal and external stakeholders throughout the college’s 12-county district, the college’s hired search firm Gold Hill Associates hosted ten listening sessions, with nine of these including a virtual option. Additionally, members of the community could submit feedback using an online survey form. These sessions invited and included employees, students, workforce and industry partners, community leaders and organizations, and the community at large.
Information collected from the listening sessions was compiled and synthesized by Gold Hill Associates. Everything from qualifications to personal characteristics to education and experience was used to shape the presidential leadership profile. It was then reviewed and discussed by the presidential search advisory committee, and final recommendations were made and brought forward for the final profile, which was approved by the district board.
Search Process and Timeline
Completed
April and May – Develop the presidential profile; solicit feedback from employees, students, and the community; search advisory committee meetings.
June and July – Seeking candidates and advertising position; search firm conducts outreach and solicits nominations.
August and September – Review of applicants; presidential search advisory committee reviews applications and recommends applicants for semi-finalist interviews; semi-finalist interviews are conducted.
In Progress
October into November – Final candidates are selected and visit Madison College for interviews; Board of Trustees solicits input from employees and community on candidates.
November into December – Board of Trustees conducts due diligence and speaks with references; board discusses, votes, and appoints Madison College’s next president; process begins to communicate decision to employees, students, and community.
Presidential Search Advisory Committee
While selecting Madison College’s next president is a board-driven process and will be managed by the college’s search firm Gold Hill Associates, the board recognizes the value and importance of participation from the college employees, students, and the community.
Donald D. Dantzler Jr., Chair of the Madison College Board of Trustees, and Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, Vice Chair, are leading the presidential search effort. Additionally, the board selected representatives from several key stakeholder groups. The committee is comprised of 16 individuals representing students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
The committee’s purpose is to review, discuss, and finalize the presidential profile; review and recommend an initial list of semi-finalist applicants to the board; participate in semi-finalist interviews; recommend candidates for the board to move forward as finalists who will visit Madison College.
Ultimately, based on final interviews, forums, and input from stakeholders, and in adherence with its bylaws, the college’s district board has the important responsibility of making the final selection for the next president.
Search Firm
The board announced the hiring of Mississippi-based college executive search firm Gold Hill Associates at its April 3 meeting. The firm will serve as a resource to the board and search committee throughout the process, and its expertise will expand the national scope of the search, ensuring a robust pool of qualified candidates.
About Gold Hill Associates
Gold Hill Associates is dedicated solely to community college executive searches. Operating since 1990, Gold Hill Associates has assisted over 100 community colleges in searches for new presidents and executives. It works in colleges throughout the country, from small rural institutions to sizeable urban multi-college districts.
Questions
General questions related to Madison College’s presidential search can be directed to search@madisoncollege.edu.
To contact our District Board of Trustees for comment, please contact Mel Charbonneau, Madison College Director of Strategic Communications, at mcharbonneau@madisoncollege.edu.