First published in the April 23 print issue of the Glendale News Press.
The Glendale Community College Board of Trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved a three-year contract with incoming Superintendent and President Ryan Cornner.
The board announced two weeks prior that it had selected Cornner — currently vice chancellor of educational programs and institutional effectiveness for the Los Angeles Community College District, the nation’s largest junior college district — to succeed current David Viar following a five-month search prompted by Viar’s upcoming retirement in June.
Cornner, who attended Tuesday night’s meeting along with his wife, two children and parents, was invited on stage to sign the contract with Board President Armine Hacopian and the other trustees, Sevan Benlian, Yvette Vartanian Davis, Desirée Portillo Rabinov, Ann Ransford, Yvette Vartanian Davis, and student trustee Diana Morales.
“I want to thank everybody for their kind comments about service and family,” Cornerr said. “It’s a testament to how great this relationship is going to be with the campus and working with you all because our values are in such alignment for what we can do for students.”
He noted that the contract signing held special meaning Tuesday night, as it took place on April 19, the same date as his wedding anniversary.
“I just felt it was a fitting tribute that 14 years ago today, we started our family and today we extend it,” he said, “and so I’m very excited to be joining your family and I hope for many years in the future to be a part of it.”
Cornner’s contract will pay an annual starting salary of $315,000, along with an $800 monthly vehicle allowance and an annual $10,000 contribution to a tax-sheltered annuity plan. Cornner earned his doctorate in education and master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC San Diego.
He will formally begin his new role at GCC on July 1.
