DMACC presidential search postponed

The search for the next DMACC president will be postponed after two of the three finalist candidates withdrew their names from consideration for the job, according to a DMACC press release.

Candidates were scheduled to come to the DMACC campus in mid-October for interviews. With the future president uncertain, DMACC said, “The Board will also consider its options for a potential interim presidency following President Rob Denson’s retirement on December 30.”

DMACC Board of Directors and Chair of Presidential Search Committee Kevin Halterman said, “While this is a disappointing development for our search, we are committed to getting the right candidate, even if it takes longer than we’d originally planned … Despite this temporary setback, we remain confident in the search process and the attractiveness of this job. DMACC is a strong institution with outstanding students, faculty, and staff. They deserve another equally great president”. 

DMACC’s current and longest-serving president, Rob Denson, announced his retirement in January and set his last day of presidency for December 30. Following his retirement, the board will consider its options for a potential interim president as well.  

Program Chair Bethaney Sweeney, part of the search committee, said, “After we conducted semifinalist interviews, I was excited about the pool of finalists we planned to bring for in-person interviews. Of course, I am disappointed we had two withdrawals, but I think it’s better that candidates decide sooner rather than later if the job or the timing isn’t best for them, and I am optimistic that the board will come up with a workable set of next steps.” 

The DMACC Board will continue to discuss the status of the search and its next steps with search consultant Dr. Larry Ebbers. They had a meeting on Friday, October 10, along with their regular scheduled meeting on Monday, October 13.

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