Pan approved as new MCC president

Nick Kosmider

Shouan Pan was unanimously named president of Mesa Community College by the Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board on Jan. 8, following his official recommendation by Chancellor Rufus Glasper.After his recommendation from Glasper, Pan told faculty and staff that he would humbly accept the role of president if approved by the board.

“I am here because I believe in MCC,” Pan said at an MCC convocation.
“I am here because I have found a special character, an innovative spirit, and inspiring mission in MCC.

“I’ve seen MCC’s awesome achievements, and I believe that MCC is capable of making this same level and even greater accomplishments in the future.”

Pan is scheduled to take office on Feb. 19. He will be helped in the transitional process by Acting President Bernie Ronan who has been working as head of MCC since his appointment by Glasper last July.

Glasper recommended Pan to the board in mid-December following his visit to the South Campus of Broward Community College in Florida where Pan serves as provost.

Glasper noted that his recommendation of Pan was based on his commitment to student success.

“Dr. Pan’s commitment to and experience in higher education, his expressed desire to lead MCC, and his understanding of our world today were vital attributes in this selection,” Glasper said.

Glasper also noted that he was impressed by the high regards given by his colleagues at Broward.

“Dr. Pan is a great collaborator who has the keen ability to bring together various groups in support of the college and its goals,” said J. David Armstrong, president of Broward and a former chancellor of Florida Community Colleges.

“He sets high standards and expects excellence in academics and all other areas of college operations,” Armstrong added.

Pan, 50, who immigrated to the United States in 1985, has 25 years of higher education experience but this job will mark his first as the president of a college.

Before his experience in the American college system, Pan served as an assistant director of international education at Hefei Polytechnic University in China.

As well as being provost at Broward, Pan served as an administrator at Florida Community College at Jacksonville and at the Community College of Philadelphia.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

Welcome to the Mesa Legend! Subscribe to know more about what goes on at Mesa Community College!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *