Bladen Community College has selected four finalists in the search for the college’s next president. The search began earlier this year, when Dr. William Findt, president of Bladen Community College announced he would retire at the end of December 2018. Findt has served Bladen Community College with distinction for 10 years.
Following Dr. Findt’s announcement, the Bladen Community Colleges Board of Trustees engaged the services of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to assist with the nationwide presidential search for candidates.
The four finalists and their current positions are:
Jewel B. Cherry, Ed.D., is Vice President for Student Services at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston Salem, NC. She previously served as the Interim Vice President of Instruction/Chief Academic Officer at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston Salem, NC. Dr. Cherry earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC; and a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC.
Shannon L. Kennedy, Ed.D., is Executive Vice President at Cleveland Community College in Shelby, North Carolina. She has all served as Executive Vice President of Instruction and Student Development at Cleveland Community College. Dr. Kennedy earned a Doctor of Education in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University in NC; and a Master of Arts in English Education from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC; and, a Bachelor of Science in Communications/Broadcasting from Millersville University in Millersville, PA.
Amanda Lee, Ph.D., was most recently the Chief of Staff and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Union College in Barbourville, KY. Previously she served as President of Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC. Dr. Lee earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Arts from Regent University, in Virginia Beach, VA; and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies and a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University in Waco, TX.
Gene Smith, Ed.D., is the Vice President of Academic and Student Services/Chief Academic Officer at Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Previously he served as Interim President of Wayne Community College in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Dr. Smith earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership/Higher Education Administration; and a Master of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.
“We are confident that the presidential search process has provided BCC with a strong list of qualified candidates,” said Dennis Troy. “Throughout the process, our goal was to seek the candidate who would provide outstanding leadership and vision to build on the great foundation set by Dr. Findt and further advance the college and our community.”
From November 12 through 15, the finalists will visit the college to meet with, faculty, staff, students and the public. These sessions will be planned for 2:30-3:30 pm each day in the Student Resource Center. Following these sessions, formal interviews with each of the candidates will be conducted.
Once the Trustees select a final candidate then the Board will submit that finalist to the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges for approval. A final announcement is expected in December.
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