Crew Coach Picked as New College President

David A. Grant, head crew coach at Orange Coast College and an administrator there for more than 25 years, was selected Wednesday to serve as interim president of the institution, the largest single-campus community college in the nation with an enrollment of 26,419 students.

Grant, 51, replaces outgoing President Donald Bronsard, who resigned and took an unpaid leave of absence earlier this month to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities for at least a year. After that, Bronsard is expected to return to the campus and teach.

“He (Grant) is a very active and energetic individual who we feel will represent the college in a fine fashion,” said Trustee Sherry L. Baum. She and the school’s five other trustees confirmed Grant upon the recommendation of Chancellor Alfred P. Fernandez.

“I am elated,” Grant said. “Orange Coast College has the type of faculty and staff that needs to be allowed to do what they do best, which is teach. I hope to encourage them in every way.”

During Grant’s tenure, the college’s rowing team has become a national power, winning more than 80% of its races against such schools as UC Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA, Washington and Harvard.

Grant said he will attempt to increase the college’s community involvement while updating equipment and college facilities.

Grant was chosen over three other candidates from the district, which includes Golden West College and Coastline Community College in addition to Orange Coast.