SLCC's ideal leader pitched to panel

Salt Lake Community College faculty, staff and students told a presidential search committee they want a leader proficient in fund raising and capable of tackling tough issues like diversity. But most importantly, they said, they want a president who understands the role of community colleges. The person chosen will succeed H. Lynn Cundiff, who announced recently he will resign to pursue business endeavors.

The 18-person search committee headed by state Board of Regents member Daryl C. Barrett, listened for nearly three hours last week to the concerns and priorities of those who work, study or teach at SLCC. The meeting was the first chance for members of the public to voice their concerns and expectations for the future president.

Barrett said the committee hopes to fill the position before the Legislative session next January. "If it takes longer to find a qualified pool of candidates we are prepared to spend more time." Until then, SLCC Vice President of Student Services Judd Morgan will serve as interim president.

SLCC business professor Duane Jacobs said he wants the new president to understand that the college should not morph into a larger school like Utah Valley State College, which once was a community college like SLCC. "We like the role we have. We think we serve the community well."

Jacobs and others also expressed concerns that applied technology courses might be removed completely as Utah College of Applied Technology expands inside the Utah System of Higher Education.

Numerous faculty and staff members hoped to have a president capable of raising revenue from outside sources. Others expressed concern that the president should be able to handle diversity concerns recently raised on campus.

Bookstore employee Judy Pettit said she hopes the committee will search inside the state for a president. "What we need is local talent," she said. "Someone who understands the problems we face now."

Student Melissa Christiansen asked for a personal president who will be friendly with students. Student Bevan Nicolaisen requested a president who understands that distance learning is the education method of the future.

Committee members took notes during the meeting and promised to use public input to help establish criteria and characteristics they will look for interviewing candidates.

Over the course of the next few months, and after accepting applications, the committee will narrow the pool to five people. Those names will be made public. The finalists will then be interviewed by the 15-member Board of Regents, who make the final decision.

Others members of the search committee are Regents Jed H. Pitcher and Maria Sweeten; SLCC trustees Randall A. Mackey, Mary Bangerter and David G. Thomas; SLCC faculty, staff and student representatives George Billings, Tess Boone, Blair Carruth, MaryEtta Chase, Trent Kemp, John McCormick, Marilyn Nowell-Brown, Marlene Tucker and Joyce P. Valdez; and representing community and alumni, the Rev. France Davis, Susan McNulty and Gail Miller.

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