The search for the new President of Moorpark College has come to an end. On May 28, current Moorpark College Executive Vice President Dr. Pam Eddinger was named the new president by a unanimous vote from the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees.

A midnight phone call awakened Eddinger with the news that she had been appointed president.

“I’m very excited,” said Eddinger. “This is something I’ve wanted to do. It’s just a wonderful college.”

The news was well received on campus Thursday. When the new president arrived mid-day, there were many balloons, hugs and congratulations to go around.

“I’m just thrilled,” said retiring President Dr. Eva Conrad. “With Pam, as well as she knows and loves us, I’m going to be able to step out of that stream and there isn’t going to even be a ripple. It’s going to be so smooth. Everything is going to be able to be like water for chocolate.”

Eddinger came to Moorpark in 2005 as the Executive Vice President, and before that, served in the administration of Massachusetts Bay Community College as Vice President of Academic Affairs.

In a small celebration in the offices of the presidents, several faculty and staff members came by to show their support. Among those to help celebrate a new chapter in the life of the college, was English Professor and most recent Distinguished Chair award winner, Jeff Baker.

“My experience of Dr. Eddinger has been so honest, so forthright, and revealed such sensitivity to Moorpark’s existing culture,” Baker said. “I simply couldn’t be more assured that our campus will be transferred from the most capable hands of Dr. Conrad to those of President Eddinger.”

The search for a new president began last year, after President Conrad announced her retirement. A nation-wide search was conducted by the Association of Community College Trustees. Two other finalists were being considered, however Eddinger thinks she has an advantage over an outsider, because for her, the hardest part is already out of her way.

“The most difficult part of starting a presidency is hopefully behind me, because I’m among friends and family,” said Eddinger. “I will pledge to the students that I will do everything I can to help them in their journey. It certainly is a pleasure. My door is always open, come and visit!”