Dr. Melinda Nish jumped right into the frying pan when she became Southwestern College superintendent/president in January 2012. Agents from the San Diego County District attorney were raiding the homes of current and former college officials, and the regions news media descended on the campus.
This month Nish was presented a regional award for her candor and transparency in dealing with the controversies surrounding the college’s construction bond controversy.
The San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter of Public Relations Society of America presented Nish with the Diogenes Award for demonstrating a “commendable understanding of the need for candor regardless of any potential negative outcomes in the media.”
Nish was recognized for tackling contract procurement processes surrounding the Proposition R construction bond measure. Six former and one current SWC officials are currently under indictment as part of a far-reaching District Attorney investigation.
“Within a week after assuming the presidency, Nish contracted with my agency—Reliance Public Relations—to serve as interim public relations counsel for several months,” said Bill Gay in his nomination application. “It was immediately clear to me and my associate, Susan Giller, that Melinda Nish was a CEO who understands the value and role of a public relations professional.”
