Orange County Register

Okay, the announcement is official that trustees have appointed Tod Burnett, statewide vice chancellor for California community colleges, as the new president of Saddleback College.

Burnett, who also worked as deputy appointments secretary to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, said in a phone interview he wasn’t scared off by internal strife within the South Orange County Community College District, which operates Saddleback.

“I think one reason I was selected is that I’m a fresh face coming from the outside,” he said. “I believe everybody is there for the students and that’s what matters.”

Burnett will replace Rich McCullough, who’s retiring.

What kind of dog does the new president own? What’s his favorite band? Read our Q & A with him here

In New York City this week at a conference, Burnett, 45, said he plans to start his new job in August after finding a place to live and taking a short vacation in Hawaii.

An alumnus of Pepperdine, USC and UC Riverside, Burnett said he’s a sports fan who’s looking forward to rooting for the Gauchos.

He pledged to keep his door open to students and said he’s excited to be on campus working directly with faculty and students, rather than in Sacramento.

Born in West Covina, Burnett said he has family and friends throughout Orange County, and will likely look for a place to live near the campus.

While at the system office in Sacramento, Burnett has been responsible for the systemwide strategic plan and overseeing policy initiatives.

The district would not provide his new salary except to say the position “is paid a salary range of $168,487 to $204,990.”

Press release 6/25/08 announcing new Saddleback College president

Read Burnett’s official state bio here

Retiring President Rich McCullough’s page at Saddleback College

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