The Maricopa County Community College District has selected Dr. Eric Leshinskie as Scottsdale Community College’s next president, concluding a nationwide search that involved extensive community and stakeholder engagement.

Dr. Chris Haines, who served as interim-president for SCC, announced her retirement last August. Leshinskie will assume the role of SCC president on July 1, according to a press release.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected to serve as the next president of Scottsdale Community College,” said Leshinskie. “SCC’s faculty and staff care deeply about students and the impact of the college on the community. I am excited to work alongside such talented and dedicated individuals to help our students to achieve their goals. As Scottsdale Community College is located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, I look forward to enhancing the relationship with tribal leaders to grow this rich partnership.”

Leshinskie has more than 25 years of experience in education. He currently serves as interim executive vice chancellor and provost for MCCCD, providing system-level leadership to improve student outcomes.

Prior to serving in his current role, Leshinskie was vice president of academic affairs at Paradise Valley Community College where he partnered with faculty and staff to advance PVCC’s mission of student success.

Prior to PVCC, Leshinskie served as interim vice president of academic affairs at Glendale Community College, where he provided leadership to the college’s academic departments and collaborated with faculty and staff to advance GCC’s mission.

In 2019-20, Leshinskie was one of 40 academic leaders across the nation to complete the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Excellence, a leadership program aimed at preparing the next generation of community college presidents to transform institutions to achieve higher and more equitable levels of student success, both in college and in the labor market, the press release stated.

“Eric is an advocate for our students and will be a great addition to Scottsdale’s community,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD interim chancellor. “I look forward to welcoming him to his new role. I would also like to thank the search committee for their excellent work, collaboration, and input. As well as the community partners, faculty, and staff, all of whom participated in the process and provided feedback as I made the decision for this important recruitment.”

Leshinskie earned his doctorate of education in leadership and innovation in May 2017 from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers’ College at Arizona State University. He also received his master’s degree of education in learning and instructional technology from ASU and completed his undergraduate work at the University of Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English.