The interviews are over and a winner to the finish line is in sight.
Chairman Bill Bacarella called the meeting to a closed session to discuss and evaluate the Board’s results of the four finalists.
A motion was made to discuss the Board’s recommended candidate—Dr. Kojo Quartey.
Currently, Kojo stands as the potential fifth president of MCCC. Quartey is a provost and chief academic officer at the City Colleges of Chicago.
“He’s a soft-spoken leader. He leads passionately. I think he’ll be a unifier for our school,” Board trustee Joe Bellino said.
“He’s a bridge builder,” Trustee Mary Kay Thayer said.
Board trustees Marjorie Kreps said Quartey is committed to students, while Jim DeVries described him as outstanding.
Before he is officially accepted into the presidency, further investigation needs to done.
According to the Board of Trustees agenda sheet, Quartey will be subject to a thorough background and reference check. A salary negotiation and other examinations must be adequately assessed before a final decision can be made.
A motion was made to approve the recommendation, and all seven trustees accepted.
Four presidential finalists traveled to MCCC to be interviewed by the Board of Trustees. Public forums were also held for the community to meet the candidates and ask questions.
The four finalists selected in the search were: Dr. Carlee Drummer, executive director of college advancement and executive director of the educational foundation at Oakton Community College, Des Plaines and Skokie, Ill, Dr. Karen Hays, vice president, academic and student affairs at Middlesex County College in Edison, N.J.
Dr. Kojo Quartey, provost and chief academic officer at the City Colleges of Chicago, and Suzanne Wetzel, vice president of administration and executive director of The Foundation at Monroe County Community College.
The Board commended the remaining finalists.
“There are four excellent candidates and feel that all four would be qualified,” Chairman Bill Bacarella said.
Board members said that it was an extremely difficult decision and the candidates were great people.
“Wish we could hire all four of them,” Board member Joe Bellino said.
