James Walton was selected unanimously by the board of trustees of Centralia College Wednesday to become the interim president of Centralia College, effective immediately.
Chairwoman Joanne Schwartz said the board voted to retain Walton’s services as interim president at a special meeting. The board interviewed Walton for the position during an executive session.
Walton was previously the college’s president for 12 years and retired in 2014.
At an earlier board meeting, trustees said after a series of meetings were held, it was clear staff at the college wanted someone with firsthand experience and knowledge to lead the college during the time of transition.
Walton’s name was mentioned several times, and the board of trustees announced at its last meeting that they would ask him to return on an interim basis.
Vice Chair Doris Wood-Brumsickle told The Chronicle earlier Walton would work on a part-time basis, maybe two or three days a week.
Moving forward, the board was leaning toward doing a search in-house for its new president instead of hiring a consulting firm.
Former college president Robert Frost took on the role as the school’s leader after Walton’s retirement. He was later terminated from his position in December of last year after beginning in his role on July 1, 2014. The board cited the lack of a strong working relationship between Frost and the trustees.
After his termination, Frost will be paid $202,000 to fulfill requirements of his three-year contract.
