Board room in the Roll Building of KCC's North Ave. campus
Courtesy of Kellogg Community College.

At the Kellogg Community College Board of Trustees’ regular meeting on Wednesday night, an update was given about the current presidential search.

Angela Provart, the president of the Pauly Group, the executive search firm hired to help KCC with the search, said that there are seven semi-final candidates chosen. “We have a very diverse pool, we have a very qualified pool, I think we’ve got a really good group of people.”

The board announced four finalists for the position during a special meeting on Monday night. Click here to read the press release.

“We had great open discussion on the candidates,” said board Chair Steve Claywell during the Wednesday meeting. “We were very happy with the very diverse group that we have.”

The final candidates will be coming to the college in late October and early November to be interviewed and check out the campus. They will also participate in forums for staff, faculty, and students.

The board intends to make its final selection on Nov. 20, over a month before the current President Mark O’Connell officially retires on Dec. 31. The new president is expected to formally begin at KCC on Jan. 1, 2020.

Also discussed at the board meeting Wednesday:

  • KCC is partnering with the Arc of Calhoun County to serve as a community volunteer site for their volunteer program and Arc volunteers will be in the library and Integrative Learning departments to start out, and maybe other places around campus as the program expands.
  • The National Council for Marketing and Public Relations awarded KCC’s Public Information and Marketing Department with 10 Medallion Awards. These awards are for its efforts to recruit students, connect with the community and promote the college during the 2018-19 academic year.
  • KCC is sponsoring the Calhoun County College Night on Oct. 29 in the Miller Physical Education Building from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This is a time for students to connect with in-state and out-of-state schools and representatives from the U.S. military branches. FAFSA assistance will be offered.
  • United Way campaign pledge forms are due Nov. 8. The Annual Chili Cook-off is scheduled for Oct. 24, where volunteers can compile college school supply kits to be donated to KCC students.
  • The KCC Foundation provided updates about the newly installed mural on the Davidson Visual and Performing Arts Center, titled “Six Disciplines,” that was created by local artist and KCC student Jaziel Pugh. The mural is visible from Fremont Street and the hospital.