CC starts presidential search process

Clarendon College began the long process of selecting a new president last week after the Board of Regents reviewed criteria set by a search committee.

The board studied the suggested qualifications and characteristics the committee wants in a new president at their regular meeting June 17 and made a few recommendations, CC President Bill Auvenshine said.

The 11-member committee then met Tuesday night to finalize that list and approve ad listings and content for a brochure for prospective applicants.

In addition to detail professional qualifications, the committee is looking for candidates who, among other traits, have an understanding of the Texas Panhandle, an appreciation for local history, high moral and ethical standards, a good sense of humor, leadership, and strong communication skills.

They also want to see candidates with demonstrated records of building programs and facilities as well as experience with budget matters, state appropriations, accreditation knowledge, and several other characteristics.

Auvenshine said the college would begin advertising right away in the Chronicle of Higher Education and in the Community Times Review, publications that go out to colleges around the country.

“We’ll advertise for 30 days and begin screening applicants on July 29,” Auvenshine said.
The committee will name ten finalists on August 26, and the Board of Regents will narrow that field to five in September. Interviews for the top five will be conducted in October.

Auvenshine earlier this month announced his intention to resign at the end of the calendar year. He has served as the college president for three years.

The committee is comprised of the following people – Regents John Howard, Susie Shields, and Jerry Woodard; faculty senate president Gene Denney; CC staff representative Terry Ashcraft; CC administration representative Annette Ferguson; alumni representative Genella Eads; community representative Tex Selvidge; foundation representative Walt Knorpp; Pampa representative Lee Porter; and Childress representative Tom Baliff.

In other college business, regents last week approve purchasing $252,502 in new wind energy training equipment; received draft copies of the budget for 2010-2011; set a board budget retreat for August 5 and budget hearing for August 19; approved hiring Chris Joblin as assistant baseball coach and Amanda Askew as ranch horse coach; accepted the resignation of Judy Newton, who is retiring; and accepted a bid on tax delinquent property.