The search for the next president of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) has been unexpectedly postponed. The college announced the delay after two of the three final candidates for the position withdrew their names from consideration, prompting the search committee to reevaluate the process.
Key Takeaways
- DMACC has postponed the final stage of its presidential search, which included on-campus interviews.
- The delay was caused by the sudden withdrawal of two of the three selected finalists.
- The Board of Directors is concerned about presenting only a single candidate to the college community.
- A board meeting is scheduled for Monday to determine the next steps, including a possible interim presidency.
Search Process Encounters Unexpected Setback
Des Moines Area Community College, which serves multiple locations including its Newton Campus, has paused its search for a new president. The decision was made public this week after a significant change in the candidate pool.
The presidential search committee had narrowed the field to three finalists who were scheduled for on-campus interviews. However, the process came to a halt when two of those candidates abruptly withdrew their applications. This development left the committee with only one remaining finalist.
The Role of a Community College President
The president of a multi-campus institution like DMACC is responsible for overseeing academic programs, managing budgets, fostering community partnerships, and guiding the overall strategic direction of the college. The selection process is critical for ensuring stable and effective leadership for thousands of students and staff members.
Board Cites Need for Multiple Candidates
Kevin Halterman, who serves as the president of the DMACC Board of Directors and also chairs the presidential search committee, explained the reasoning behind the postponement. While the committee holds the remaining candidate in high regard, there are significant reservations about proceeding with a single finalist.
"The committee feels good about the quality of the third candidate, but also has reservations about bringing only one finalist to campus," Halterman stated, emphasizing the complexity of the role. "The DMACC community deserves to hear from multiple candidates about their vision and leadership styles."
This approach underscores the board's commitment to a transparent and comparative selection process. Presenting multiple qualified individuals allows faculty, staff, students, and community members to provide broader feedback, which is considered essential for such a high-level appointment.
Timeline and Key Dates
- Monday Meeting: The DMACC Board of Directors will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting to discuss the search.
- December 30: Current President Rob Denson is scheduled to retire, creating a leadership vacancy.
Next Steps for DMACC Leadership
The future of the presidential search now rests with the Board of Directors. The board is set to address the situation at its upcoming public meeting on Monday. The agenda will include a thorough discussion of the status of the search and the options available to move forward.
The board will likely consider several possibilities, such as reopening the search for new applicants, reviewing the previous pool of candidates, or proceeding with the single remaining finalist after further deliberation. No decision has been made, and the outcome will depend on Monday's discussions.
Addressing the Impending Leadership Gap
With current President Rob Denson's retirement effective December 30, the board faces a pressing timeline. The postponement of the search means a permanent successor will not be in place by the end of the year.
Consequently, the board will also consider its options for appointing an interim president. An interim leader would manage the college's day-to-day operations and provide leadership stability while the search for a permanent president is concluded. This is a common practice in higher education to ensure a smooth transition during extended leadership searches.
The community and stakeholders can find official updates regarding the search process on the college's dedicated webpage, president.dmacc.edu. This site will be updated following the board's decisions.
