COLLEGE PRESIDENT RESIGNS.Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer After delaying several needed surgeries, the president of Oxnard College Oxnard College is a California-state funded community college located in Oxnard, California. It was established in 1975. It serves the Oxnard Plain cities of Oxnard, Camarillo, and Port Hueneme. is leaving what he calls his ``dream job'' to focus on his health. Steven Arvizu, 57, was granted a permanent medical retirement, effective this week, because of spinal cord injuries Spinal Cord Injury Definition Spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that causes loss of sensation and motor control. Description Approximately 10,000 new spinal cord injuries (SCIs) occur each year in the United States. suffered in an auto crash while on district business in November 1998. His car rear-ended a vehicle that had stopped suddenly in front of him at Rose Avenue and Wooley Road. ``I need time to focus on my health and proceed with surgeries that I've delayed,'' Arvizu said. ``When I came to the college, it was for a long-term Long-term Three or more years. In the context of accounting, more than 1 year. long-term 1. Of or relating to a gain or loss in the value of a security that has been held over a specific length of time. Compare short-term. commitment, but an auto accident changed that.'' Deputy Chancellor Michael Gregoryk will serve as interim president until a replacement is hired. During his 3 1/2 years with the district, Arvizu has gained the respect of his colleagues for his leadership abilities and efforts to develop new programs, including one for dental hygiene dental hygiene n. The practice of keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy to prevent disease. Also called oral hygiene. . ``Dr. Arvizu has worked diligently dil·i·gent adj. Marked by persevering, painstaking effort. See Synonyms at busy. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin d for the past three years to provide strong leadership in the creation and implementation of innovative student learning programs at Oxnard College and at the districtwide level,'' said Philip Westin, chancellor of the Ventura County Community College District. ``His efforts to identify Oxnard College as ``The College with a Heart'' will remain his trademark for years to come.'' Calling it a sad but prideful moment, Arvizu sent an electronic memo to faculty and staff members, notifying no·ti·fy tr.v. no·ti·fied, no·ti·fy·ing, no·ti·fies 1. To give notice to; inform: notified the citizens of the curfew by posting signs. 2. them he is leaving. He also said he was pleased to work with staffers who cared so much for the students. ``We are a college of the heart because people stretch and do the extra things,'' Arvizu said. ``(The college) culture puts a lot of themselves and their heart into everything they do.'' |
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