Two of the top administrators at Crafton Hills College have been placed on administrative leave, according to a statement from the San Bernardino Community College District.

President Wei Zhou, who has served in the position less than a year, and Vice President of Instruction Kathy Bakhit were placed on leave effective immediately, according to a public statement issued Friday, March 2.

“We thank them for their service at Crafton Hills College,” the statement reads. “However, it is SBCCD’s policy not to comment on matters relating to personnel.”

District Chancellor Bruce Baron announced the change to faculty and staff through a memo Thursday, March 1.

“At the direction of the SBCCD Board of Trustees, Chancellor Baron is working with faculty and staff to ensure Crafton Hills College students have the strong support they need to continue towards their educational and career goals,” the statement issued Friday reads.

The college, located in Yucaipa, hired Zhou in June 2016 to replace Cheryl Marshall, who became chancellor of the North Orange Community College District.

Bakhit has served as vice president of instruction at the college since Jan. 20, 2017.

“Student success is our top priority,” according to the statement. “SBCCD will work with faculty, staff, students and community members to launch a national search to recruit a new campus president and vice president of instruction. We are committed to building on Crafton Hills College’s legacy of innovative workforce development programs and academic excellence.”