Moorpark College president to retire next year

Eva Conrad

The Board of Trustees of the Ventura County Community College District recently approved the retirement of Moorpark College President Eva Conrad, effective July 2, 2008, after 33 years of service to California community colleges.

"My husband and I are both retiring at the end of this academic year, and our plans are to live this new phase of our lives with a focus on fun," said Conrad. "My time at Moorpark College has been excellent- challenging, productive, innovative and fun."

Mark Rafter, Conrad's husband, is a faculty member in the psychology department at College of the Canyons.

Conrad began her career at San Bernardino Valley College in 1975 as a faculty member in psychology and taught for 18 years before moving into educational administration, serving the college for three years as the vice president of instruction.

She received Outstanding Professor of the Year (1990) and Women who Make a Difference (1993) awards while at San Bernardino Valley College.

In 1997 she was appointed executive vice president at Moorpark College and served in that role for five years. Conrad was appointed as college president in July 2002.

Her accomplishments at the college include spearheading an administrative reorganization, pursuing articulation arrangements with Cal State Channel Islands and leading the development of a massive strategic planning effort at the college.

"Dr. Conrad is wellrespected within the Ventura County Community College District and the California Community College System," said VCCCD Chancellor James Meznek. "She is highly regarded as an outstanding educational leader and for her absolute commitment to the community college mission, which places students first. Dr. Conrad is a professional of the first order. Her dedication, knowledge, hard work and commitment to our district and its students will serve as the standard for all those who follow her in leadership positions. On a personal note, Eva is a trusted colleague and valued adviser. Her kindness, finesse, positive outlook and insight will be greatly missed."

In 2002, Conrad received the second highest honor bestowed by the Association of California Community College Administrators, the Leadership Award for Administrative Excellence.

Conrad has also chaired the California Commission on Athletics, represented the region on the California executive board of chief instructional officers and served on many accreditation teams.

Conrad earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Alabama, and a master's and doctorate in psychology from the University of Arizona. She is also a graduate of Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management.