A new Associated Students vice president was chosen during the Jan. 26 board meeting.
Former Academic Affairs Director Carmel Gutherz ascended into the position of vice president, with a 5-1 vote. Richard Real, director of student organizations, and Lawrence Kelly, director of constitution and rules, were absent from the meeting. Gutherz’s previous position is now vacant.
“I’m absolutely excited about the position,” Gutherz said. “All I want to do is to make Moorpark College even better than it was before and make sure that the people who need to be heard are heard.”
The vice president’s main role is to work alongside the president to make sure that all of the board members collaborate well together and to ensure that everyone’s opinion is heard.
Gutherz said she will emphasize on student equity, sustainability, collaboration and social issues as her own brand of leadership in her new position. She will also keep working on the projects from her former position, such as the hydration station and advocate equity for LGBTQ students in the documentation system.
Gonzalez said she really looks forward to working with Gutherz in advocating for Moorpark students.
“We’re like a dynamic-duo,” said Gonzalez. “She’s really passionate about what she does and she’s very self-motivated. She’s all about student promotion and student life on campus.”
Before the voting for the position took place, Gonzalez asked the board directors to see if anyone is interested in the position. Director of Student Services William Sloane and Gutherz raised their hands to indicate their interests. Each candidate then gave a five minutes statement to explain why they were interested in the position.
The two candidates then had a brief debate on a question proposed by Director of Budget and Finance Neema Sheshebor. He asked the two candidates what they would do if they disagree with a minority opinion among the board members.
After the debate was over, the board proceeded with the voting process.
Sharon Miller, Associated Students advisor said she is happy for Gutherz in getting the position.
“Any one of them would have done a great job in that position,” said Miller. “I think the board made a great choice and she’ll do a great job as she has already done and director Sloane has done a great job for the Associated Students as well so either of them would have done a fine job as vice president.”
The vice president’s position was vacant because Gonzalez, who previously held that position, was appointed to become the president back in Jan. 8 after Ashley Rasmussen, the former president, resigned.
