Search committee names three finalists for Crowder College president

(From Crowder College)

The Presidential Search Committee for Crowder College met on December 20th and reviewed reference information on seven semi-finalists selected earlier. After careful review and discussion the Committee, which consisted of a cross-section of college personnel, Board members, and community representatives, recommended three finalists to the Board of Trustees.

The three finalists are Dr. Brent Bates of Sedalia, Mo.; Dr. Jim Cummins of Neosho; and Dr. Jennifer Methvin of Hope, Ark.

Dr. Bates currently serves as Vice President of Education and Student Support Services at State Fair Community College. He has 26 years at Missouri and Kansas community colleges, with the past 14 years in senior administrative roles. He holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Community College Curriculum, from Kansas State University.

Dr. Cummins currently serves as Vice President of Finance at Crowder College. Prior to coming to Crowder College in January 2012, he served in various area school districts as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principal and teacher. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri.

Dr. Methvin currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Academics at the University of Arkansas-Community College at Hope. Prior to coming to her job at the Community College at Hope, she was a division chair at the University of Arkansas-Community College at Batesville, and taught English in various universities. Her PhD in Community College leadership is from Walden University.

These three will be brought to campus for extensive interviews with the Board of Trustees, tours of the college and community, and open forums to which the public will be invited. Information on the forums will be disseminated once the schedule is determined.

The Board hopes to offer the position to the winning candidate by April. The start date of the new President will depend on the schedule of the person selected for the position, but no later than July 1st.