Oregon Coast Community College has hired a vice president of academic and student affairs after a nationwide search.

Kristina Holton is currently Dean of Science, Engineering and Mathematics at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany and has over two decades of experience in education and community college leadership. She is expected to take up her new role at OCCC this summer.

Holton has experience in the classroom teaching and senior academic leadership, according to a news release Tuesday announcing her hiring. She has also played an active role in statewide community college leadership initiatives and has experience in accreditation, institutional effectiveness, program development, strategic planning and collaborative governance, according to the release.

“Dr. Holton stood out as a thoughtful, student-centered leader with a strong understanding of Oregon community colleges and the unique role they play in transforming lives and strengthening communities,” college president Marshall Mease Roache said in a statement.

The college said like many of the candidates who interviewed for the position, Holton is a longtime colleague of outgoing interim vice president Bruce Clemetsen.

“I am happy for OCCC and for my colleague …,” Clemetsen said. “I am confident that Kristina will successfully transition and provide long-term leadership to OCCC and the community.”