Former Modesto Junior College president dies

Former Modesto Junior College president Richard Rose died this morning, according to a school official.

Campus officials learned last week he was terminally ill. Details of his illness were not disclosed.

Mr. Rose was hired as president in 2006 and served through Dec. 1, when the Yosemite Community College District bought out the remaining seven months of his contract.

Rose has had a long career in California community colleges, having served as vice president for student services at San Diego Mesa College, dean of student development at De-Anza College and held various roles at Santa Rosa Junior College.

Funeral arrangement are still being finalized.

The Bee will have more on the story as more information becomes available.