East Central Community College has launched a nation-wide search for its ninth president.
In a meeting Tuesday, the junior college’s Board of Trustees approved a presidential profile, which outlines the qualities and qualifications the college is looking for in candidates for the position.
“It’s very similar to the profile you can say fortunately or unfortunately brought me here in July of 2012,” President Billy Stewart said.
Applicants for president will need to submit an application packet, including a personal letter addressing the qualifications, a resume, philosophy of education, official transcripts and five references.
Stewart said the application procedure, presidential profile and contact information for East Central’s liaison had been added to the school’s website, allowing potential applicants to complete the process digitally.
After reviewing the presidential profile, trustees ratified it with one amendment stating prior classroom teaching experience is preferred.
Although the amendment was initially presented to require classroom experience, Stewart said some otherwise qualified applicants for the administrative position might not have started in a classroom.
“Sometimes in community colleges or senior level, they don’t,” he said. “I mean, I had mine in high school. I never taught community college. So, some administrators would not have teaching experience if they’ve only been at the community college level.’
Stewart, who has served as East Central Community College’s president since 2012, announced his plans to step down in executive session during the November Board of Trustees meeting. He said previously he had been considering retirement for some time before making the decision.
A full description of the president position, as well as application information and qualifications, can be found at eccc.edu/presidential-search.
