The Cuesta College Board of Trustees has appointed Gilbert H. Stork as the district’s new superintendent and president. The action, taken on Nov. 2 in closed session, is pending final negotiations and approval of an employment contract, which is expected to occur at the board’s December meeting.

Final contract negotiations will begin immediately, said Patrick Mullen, board president. The board is optimistic that an agreement will be reached, with a contract coming to the board for approval in December. The selection was announced at the November meeting following several rounds of interviews and a forum introducing the three finalists to the public.

“Cuesta’s presidential selection committee and the Board of Trustees engaged in a rigorous selection process and considered a number of well qualified candidates,” Mullen said. “However, Dr. Stork emerged as the most qualified candidate to lead the San Luis Obispo Community College District for the foreseeable future. The board looks forward to Dr. Stork’s leadership and long-term commitment to the success of the college and the students we serve. I am confident that Dr. Stork will bring his expert knowledge and experience to respond to the fiscal and regulatory challenges facing the district.”

Stork has served as the college’s interim superintendent and president since January 2010. He has a longstanding relationship with Cuesta College dating back to 1967. At Cuesta, he has served as an assistant football coach, mathematics instructor, division chair, associate dean, dean, and assistant superintendent/vice president of student services. He earned his master’s degree in mathematics from Cal Poly and his doctoral degree in educational administration from Brigham Young University. In addition, he has served on the board of directors and volunteered for numerous local, non-profit organizations.

Stork is expected to step into his new role as superintendent and president in January 2012.