Five finalists will get a chance to explain why they should be the next MCCC president.
The final candidates were announced in a special meeting of the Board of Trustees on April 30.
The finalists are:
- 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.
- Dr. Renay Scott, vice president and provost of Owens Community College in Toledo.
- Suzanne Wetzel, vice president of administration and executive director of The Foundation at Monroe County Community College.
See complete coverage of the presidential search
Board and search committee member Mary Kay Thayer was not present able to attend, but she listened to the meeting through a speakerphone.
“Again, I regret not being there. This is such an important decision,” she said.
Video interviews of the eight semi-finalists were held Monday and Tuesday morning, then the finalists were announced at a 5 p.m. board meeting.
“I want to thank everyone for having me be a part of the search committee,” MCCC Maintenance representative Bryan Rorke said.
“I think it was very functional. Our input was valued,” he said.
“I appreciate the engagement of everyone in this search,” Board member Jim DeVries said.
Preparations are being made for interviews with the five finalists, scheduled May 21-23.
William Braunlich, Board vice-chairman and Search Committee chairman, said the process will involve an interview script, which will operate in a collaborative format. Search members and the college’s consulting firm, ACCT, will work together on what is most appropriate to ask candidates.
According to an MCCC new release, the finalists will be interviewed by members of the Board of Trustees.
In addition to scripted questions, there will be an opportunity for search committee members to ask their own questions.
Students, staff, and members of the community will be able to meet the finalists in person, according to the press release.
Braunlich proposed to the search committee and Board that a transition period be provided for the new president. It would be a six-month time frame to assimilate him/her into community and college affairs.
