[img]1769|right|Dr. Mark Rocha||no_popup[/img]True or wishful thinking?
Reports circulating across the distressed campus of Pasadena City College yesterday afternoon held that Dr. Mark Rocha was in his final hours as president after striking a deal with the Board of Trustees.
No one in authority has confirmed, denied or responded in any manner.
The interim director of communications for PCC either has (a) lost her cell phone or (b) decided not to field any inquiries about the president’s standing.
With the new semester scheduled to start on the final Monday of the month, Aug. 25, nobody is betting on Dr. Rocha’s presence or absence. He is too unpredictable, and here are samples:
• A mid-June report that was true had Dr. Rocha applying to be the lead administrator at Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn. Two reasons were given for his application: His wife appeared near to landing a position in New York and he wanted to escape the harsh criticism surrounding him at PCC, where large segments of the faculty and student community regard Dr. Rocha as the enemy.
• One month ago, as one of three Kingsborough finalists, he was passed over.
• Next rumor: Dr. Rocha’s wife did not seek nor was she offered a position in New York.
A longtime faculty member was asked to identify Dr. Rocha’s worst trait. “He lies,” the professor said.
