East Central Community College officially opened its search for the ninth president of the junior college Sunday, and the board of trustees is hopeful that recent success will help them find a quality candidate.
Billy Stewart, the current president since February 2012, announced in November his retirement effective July 1, 2020.
Board of Trustees President Dr. Jimmy Hollingsworth has selected a search committee consisting of two board members to represent each county. The presidential position was officially listed on the ECCC website Sunday. Application packets will be accepted through January 31, 2020.
This is not Hollingsworth’s first presidential search. He became chairman of the board prior to the last search, which brought Stewart to the college.
“While all searches are unique, precious search experience will help the process move along more smoothly,” Hollingsworth said in an email Monday. “The committee seeks a president with strong leadership skills and has a vision for the college. Dr. Stewart has set the bar high in both of these areas.”
In February 2020, the search committee will review completed applications and conducts initial interviews with preferred candidates. They will compile a list of finalists for the position and conduct background checks on each finalist.
In March, the full Board of Trustees will conduct interviews with finalist(s) during the regular monthly meeting on campus. East Central’s ninth president will be announced at the conclusion of the Board meeting contingent upon successful contract negotiation.
The next president will start their term on July 1, 2020.
“As a result of Dr. Stewart’s leadership, we as a college are in a great position to attract a top quality candidate to be our next president,” Hollingsworth said.
More information on the search, including a Presidential Profile and Job Description, can be found at www.eccc.edu/presidential-search.
Any interested candidates are asked to contact Carole Germany, ECCC Board of Trustees Presidential Search Committee Liaison, at 601-635-6201 or cgermany@eccc.edu.
