The Merced College Board of Trustees approved the hiring of a new vice president of instruction this month.

Brian Ellison’s appointment was accepted on Nov. 10. He is set to return to the college where he taught psychology and sociology from 1988 to 2000.

“I’m very excited to return to Merced College, where the quality of instruction has always been a hallmark of excellence,” he said in a news release.

Ellison said he is a product of the community college system. “I earned an Associate of Arts degree in psychology from San Diego Mesa College,” he said. “I’m also the first in my family to become a college graduate.”

I’m very excited to return to Merced College, where the quality of instruction has always been a hallmark of excellence.

Brian Ellison, incoming vice president of instruction

Merced College President Ron Taylor praised Ellison’s experience, in a news release.

“Dr. Ellison has served in a variety of leadership positions as a faculty leader and community college administrator,” Taylor said. “His administrative experience includes serving as the dean of vocational education at Merced College, dean of instruction at City College of San Francisco and vice president of instruction and student services at San Diego Continuing Education.”

Ellison earned his bachelor’s degree in both sociology and psychology from San Diego State University. His doctorate degree in Educational Leadership came by way of the University of La Verne in Southern California, according to the news release

He takes over from Mary K. Gilliland, who left Merced College during the summer for a similar position in Arizona.

Ellison is set to make $186,071 annually when he begins work in January, according to the Human Resources Department.