The search for a new president of Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville is underway.
After meeting several times, a focus group is determining what they're looking for in a new leader and who can fill the shoes of Dr. Becky Paneitz.
“It’s not as if we want part two of Dr. Paneitz, but we definitely want to capture some of those traits," says Paige Francis, associate vice president of information technology. "It’s everything from collaboration, ability to fundraise and to get out there into the community build relationships, collaborate locally, on the state level and nationally,”
Officials are looking for a new president to grow with the college and grow with the region.
“You can look back over the last decade and see tremendous growth with regard to infrastructure, additional staff, and faculty outreach coming out of the college and really how this college has expanded its footprint in the region and nationally,” explains Todd Kitchen, vice president of learner support services.
NWACC serves more than 14,000 students at its main campus in Bentonville and through its six outreach centers around the region .
“Today the role has changed,” says Francis.
“The next leader is going to have to have some familiarity and a broadened skill set with regard to technology and how we can continue to offer good services, how we can continue to be connected to our community and using efficient technology-based ways...” adds Kitchen.
The search will continue until the end of September and a new president will be announced by the end of the year.
The last day of the current president, Dr. Becky Paneitz is June 30, 2013.